The installation of a large box culvert at the western end of The Strand, which will significantly improve the flow of stormwater away from the Apanui catchment, is progressing well and should be completed on schedule.

Whakatāne District Council General Manager Infrastructure, Tomasz Krawczyk, says the new box culvert will benefit hundreds of residents and a number of businesses in the area. “It is a large piece of infrastructure, and our contractors are carrying out the project as quickly and economically as possible,” Mr Krawczyk says. “We expect the project to be completed by mid-August.”

Mr Krawczyk says the construction of the raised pedestrian accessway on The Strand (adjacent to the Robert Harris café) is also well underway, with the project expected to be completed before the end of July. “Our roading staff will ensure that the contractor maintains at least single-lane road access in both directions, at all times, although that will involve some delays.”

Mr Krawczyk acknowledges that road access from the western end of The Strand into Whakatāne’s CBD is difficult at the moment. “Both of these jobs must be done, and in terms of disruption to the business community, now is the best time to do them,” he says. “There is a small price to pay in terms of traffic inconvenience, and we would suggest that people consider taking an alternative route into the town centre to avoid any delays.”