Construction is steadily progressing on the Waimea Community Dam, despite Covid-19 slowing the supply of materials and temporarily taking people away from the project – more than 7,000 worker hours were lost due to Covid in the last quarter.
Construction is more than 70% complete, with a number of milestones achieved over recent months.
The rockfill embankment, which is 53m high and made up of almost 480,000m3 of rock, was completed in December 2021. The 12,000m2 concrete face was finished in May, and the parapet walls are now being installed on top of the embankment.
The spillway is nearing completion, and the dam face pipes will be installed this month.
As you may have read recently, the project has continued to face challenges. The team is working very hard to help the contractor mitigate programme slip and cost increases.
The most recent cost increase of $10 million is due to a delay in the work programme and additional mechanical and river diversion costs.
Waimea Water Ltd now forecasts the dam to be completed in February 2023 to begin filling the reservoir and providing service. The permanent pipework will be commissioned in early 2024, two years later than originally planned. The dam will operate on temporary facilities, while the permanent pipework is being installed.
Meanwhile, the environmental offset programme on Rough Island has seen 40,000 natives planted over three years.
When completed, the dam will provide water security and benefits for many generations to come.
To keep up with the progress of the Waimea Community Dam, and to take a virtual tour of the site, you can go to waimeawater.nz(external link) or facebook.com/waimeawater(external link).