August 31, 2021
Floods in west raised infrastructure questions
A member of the Henderson Massey Local Board says Monday’s flooding in the west is a reminder of the importance of getting the right infrastructure in place.
Will Flavell says there was extensive flooding in Henderson Valley, Ranui and Massey, as well as further out in Kumeu and beyond.
He says it will be days before the full extent of the damage is known, but it shows the importance of managing growth in an area known for its streams and rivers coming off the Waitakere Ranges.
"We've got heaps of housing development happening in West Auckland and you can say it's a good thing because we need to house our whānau but at the same time we know infrastructure has let us down. In the past we haven't had full resourcing of infrastructure. That's a conversation we need to have," he says.
Dr Flavell says caution over rates has held up infrastructure development in the past, and he’d like to see other forms of funding for councils such as sharing GST.
Auckland Emergency Management is reminding people flooded out of their homes in west and northwest Auckland that personal safety overrides COVID-19 protocols – but they still need to take precautions.
Deputy controller Rachel Kelleher says IF you do need to burst your bubble, please remember to wear a face mask and try to maintain physical distancing as much as possible and keep a record of who you have been in contact with.
Emergency centres have been established at the main council building at 6 Henderson Valley Road and the Kumeu Community Centre in Access Road.
Copyright © 2021, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com