Funding to the tune of $5.34 million has been secured to repair Masterton’s cyclone-damaged rural roading network.
Masterton District Council [MDC] roading services manager Kaine Jaquiery made the announcement during the council’s infrastructure and services meeting on Wednesday, confirming the funding approval from the government’s emergency works fund.
Cyclone Gabrielle tore through the country in February 2023, causing extensive damage to roads and bridges.
The government money is earmarked for the repair of slips and drop-outs on Blairlogie Langdale, Langdale, Masterton Castlepoint, Tīnui Valley, and Mataikona roads.
About half of the money has already been spent on completed work, with contracts let for further work that will be completed before the end of June.
Jaquiery said approval of the funding, which represents a 76 per cent subsidy, is good news.
“The council has not been standing waiting for funding before undertaking road repairs following Cyclone Gabrielle – a considerable amount has already been done.
“Approval of this funding is not unexpected but is nevertheless welcome.”
Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell said it is “a real tribute” to the work of the council’s roading team that the funding application was successful.
“Cyclone Gabrielle was devastating for parts of our roading network, especially in the Tīnui-Castlepoint area, and MDC’s recovery work started as soon as practicable after the cyclone, well before we knew the extent of government assistance.
“I have had numerous messages and calls from people grateful both for the fact that we acted so speedily but also for the quality of the repair work.
“This latest news is probably then more a relief than anything else.
“Knowing the money will be available does ease the financial pressures, and that’s a major plus.” -NZLDR
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