The floodwall was opened in 1990, in response to the twin floods that inundated the Greymouth central business district in 1988. The work cost more than $4million.
The wall was upgraded in 2010 to protect against even higher floods.
However, West Coast Regional Council staff soon observed issues with the extensions, and the Greymouth Star also ran pictures at the time of whole chunks which had fallen out of the structure.
The council engaged Stantec NZ Ltd to help its engineers to plan and tender for the repairs to the cracking in the concrete joints.
GT Liddell Contracting Ltd won the contract to repair or replace all of the joints.
Work is scheduled for completion in May. It will extend right around the wharf and as far south as Dixon Park.
Council director of operations Randal Beal said 294 joints were to be repaired.
‘‘The contractors are completing nine joint repairs a day and have made excellent progress to date. Taking the time to identify the appropriate tender structure, repair products and methodology has made significant savings on the initial repair estimates.’’
Engineer Paulette Birchfield said the repairs were necessary to help ensure the floodwall lasted for its full intended design life.
A confidential settlement with a North Island contractor was reached over the initial extensions. However, soon after, the council balance sheet showed income for the past six months was $1.42million — more than double the $695,000 budgeted.
