Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) has been busy clearing debris and realigning the flow of water from the Takuvaine stream, aiming to restore the stream’s natural capacity.

Secretary of ICI Elizabeth Wright-Koteka says the Takuvaine Stream has been experiencing a critical reduction in hydraulic capacity. 

This diminished capacity is primarily attributed to two factors, including excessive vegetation growth within the stream channel and along its banks, significantly impeding water flow, Wright-Koteka explains.

This overgrowth acted as an obstruction, reducing the stream’s ability to efficiently convey storm water during high rainfall events, she added.

The stream’s natural course has also been altered due to blockages in the stream from fallen trees and other debris, including man made rubbish. 

“This deviation from the original alignment has resulted in localised flow constrictions and increased erosive forces, leading the stream bank to instability and property damage,” Wright-Koteka said.

She said these two factors when combined created a vast range of negative impacts such as increased flood risks and erosion.

In terms of increased flood risks, Wright-Koteka explained that the reduced hydraulic capacity limited the stream’s ability to accommodate high volumes of stormwater runoff, leading to an elevated risk of flooding of adjacent areas. 

On accelerated erosion, she said the altered flow dynamics and constricted channel have intensified erosion resulting in stream back degradation and loss of land for residents nearby. 

According to ICI, over the years large amounts of debris have become lodged in the stream, forcing the water to carve new paths, resulting in major erosion and in some areas more than 50 metres of land had been lost due to the stream’s misalignment.

“Flooding and erosion directly threaten residential properties situated along the stream banks, with multiple properties currently in danger of significant property damage,” Wright-Koteka said.  

“The unstable stream banks and increased flood risk pose a significant threat to the safety and wellbeing of residents living in close proximity to the stream.

“This project aims to mitigate these risks by restoring the stream’s natural capacity and alignment thereby enhancing flood protection, reducing erosion and safeguarding the community.”

The project, which covers the area from the bridge closest to Takamoa and ending at the Takuvaine field bridge, is expected to be completed in the next few weeks.