Five thousand tonnes of rock are being shifted out of Roxburgh each day, and motorists are being asked to keep their speed down, as the town recovers from this week's flash flooding.
Diggers work in Roxburgh's Reservoir Creek drainage. Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer
Water and mud poured through about dozen properties in the Central Otago town after heavy rain on Sunday, with large slips cutting off both ends of its main road.
The tap water supply was restored yesterday, and the sewerage system came back online today.
Central Otago mayor Tim Cadogan said the contractors were still working "flat out" clearing the slips, as well as the drains and culverts which were blocked up with rock.
"Our guys reckon they are moving 5000 tonnes of rock a day, and they've been doing that now for four days," he said.
"That's an incredible amount - 2800 cubic metres a day that equates to - or to give you another figure, every day there [are] 420 truck movements across the one bridge that is serviicing Roxburgh at the moment, full of rock."
Mr Cadogan said the town was recovering and had been lucky there had been so little rain.
Meanwhile, police are pleading for motorists to keep their speed down around the town.
Drivers are being diverted through Millers Flat and the Roxburgh Hydro Dam while the main road, State Highway 8, is cleared of slips at both ends.
Police said there have been complaints about driving in the area, and the dust being kicked up by vehicles.
They have asked for more consideration of the speed limits for safety reasons while the repairs are completed.
The reopening of the main road is due to be reviewed at midday tomorrow.
