LETTER: Upper Orara Road culvert repair is taking too long

DEAR News Of The Area,

THE residents of the Upper Orara Road would be pleased if the Coffs Harbour City Council could explain why the repair to the Upper Orara Road culvert just south of the Orara Hall is taking so long.

The road has been cut for five weeks at the time of writing. The signs prior to commencement of repair said it would take some 10 weeks to repair.

We who live close to the culvert can attest to the fact that the work is only being carried out sporadically. Many days pass by without anyone present and the work is not being carried out.

We understand that if it is raining the work has to stop, but we have had insufficient rain for this to be used as an excuse.

We understand that concrete has to cure, but so far only one pouring has been seen and has had ample time to cure.

Residents to the south of the hall have to travel some 15 kilometres instead of one or two if they are to attend any function.

Should there be a fire south of the roadworks, it will take the Rural Fire Service at least an hour to access as they will have to travel to the fire, pick up the firetruck and return to the fire. Most volunteer firefighters in the area live on the south side of the current roadworks.

School children who attend the local junior school and live on the north side of the roadworks have a 15-minute commute instead of a three-minute drop-off.

With little or no work being undertaken at present, would Council please explain why this is so and reassure the residents of Upper Orara  that the work will be completed in the allotted time?

Regards,

1. Hodges

Upper Orara.