Work to unblock a sewage pipe in Gisborne has stalled due to heavy rain.
Contractors have been working to clear pipes in the suburb of Mangapapa after garden waste was dumped into a manhole, forcing the council to open an overflow valve into the Taruheru River.
A ban on swimming and fishing in the town’s rivers and beaches was in place over the past two days, and was expected to last for a further three days.
A spokesperson from Gisborne District Council said their crew had located the blockage, but had to abandon work due to the conditions.
The sewer was now in flood with more rain expected tonight.
It might take two to three days before work could resume, and they would re-evaluate the situation on Friday before deciding whether to resume work over the weekend, the spokesperson said.
rnz.co.nz