Wednesday 8 March, 2023
Starting today, contractors funded by Council will clean up Tairāwhiti homes affected by substantial amounts of silt left behind from flood waters during Cyclone Gabrielle.
The go-ahead for contractors comes alongside an extension of this region’s State of Emergency.
Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty made the announcement on Monday for a seven-day extension, that also includes Hawke’s Bay.
Gisborne District Council Solid Waste Manager Phil Nickerson says our neighbouring regions were the worst hit in the country.
“This extra seven days enables us to continue in response mode.
“Many houses in the region got silt on their properties and we now have the ability to help people remove it.
“Our contractors will focus on cleaning up yellow-stickered properties first to help people return to their homes faster.
“Our scope for silt removal only covers residential dwellings, this includes the primary garage, shed or carports and access to these. It does not include land beyond 8m from the dwelling. It does not include paddocks, orchards, adjoining land.
“If you haven’t contacted us yet and need help removing silt please get in touch.
“This is open to all residents in Tairāwhiti who have been affected by the floods this year and it doesn’t matter if you’re insured or not.”
Mr Nickerson says the more information you give Council the better.
We need:
- Your address and contact phone number
- If you have insurance and your provider's name for admin purpose, we will not be paying your excess.
- Describe where the silt is - such as around or under your house, in the driveway, around the garage etc
- If you know the depth or the square metres it covers.
- Photos if possible
Get in touch by:
- Email us on service@gdc.govt.nz with ‘Silt Removal Request’ in the subject line.
- Fill in the online eFix form
- Or send a request on our GDC Fix app available on any app store.
The Silt Removal Programme is open to residential and rural homes in Tairāwhiti and will remove silt from around homes, garages and accessways like drives and footpaths.
For more information please visit the Tairāwhiti Civil Defence Emergency Management page on Council’s website.
Primary industry, farmers and growers can find assistance at business.govt.nz
