Local stakeholders first mooted upgrading the Kaitangata boat ramp 10 years ago, but progress was complicated due to various factors, including ownership of the ramp at a prominent bend of the Clutha River.
Project leader Blair Thompson said yesterday that had now been resolved thanks to the work of Clutha District Council consultant Mike Goldsmith, allowing work on the upgrade to begin in about six weeks’ time.
"It’s been a drawn-out process, for various reasons, but thanks to Mike’s tenacious efforts, the ramp is now in the ownership of the council and consents have been issued to go ahead with the necessary work.
"Members of the Measley Beach Fishing Club, community members and local contractors will all be mucking in to carry out the work, which is also being funded locally with donations, which can be dropped off at the Kai pub or fish and chip shop."
He said about $13,500 of a $15,000 target had been raised to date.
The money would pay for materials and other resources, which would be used to pour the initial ramp base on shore after the old one was removed.
That would be pushed into place on the river edge, where a second concrete pour would be boxed and added, before finishing touches such as landscaping were applied.
Mr Thompson said the work would take about two weeks, during which time the ramp would be closed for access.
"Unfortunately, that will overlap with some duck-shooting, but there’s no gain without pain, and we’ll have a fit-for-purpose facility for all the community once we’re done."
He said the boat ramp was "well-used" by people from across South Otago and beyond.
"It’s one of the better ramps in South Otago, because of the depth and location. You can’t get a park in summer, and it’s also flat-out in whitebaiting and duck-shooting seasons. It’s used for all forms of water sports and activities."
