REPAIRS to the East Orange Channel are complete after the original contractor failed to deliver the project.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Orange City Council contracted Hibbo Hire to widen the section between Byng Street and McLachlan Street, one of the channel’s major choke points, for $900,000 to boost its capacity.
But after delays, Hibbo removed its equipment and left the site in January and the council formally cancelled the contract.
A 150-metre length of the channel was supposed to be widened from two metres to six metres, but Hibbo only completed 30 metres.
The council resolved for subcontractors to complete it due to the need for emergency work to prevent damage to the environment and properties.
Leed Engineering, which built the Macquarie Pipeline, was appointed to stablilise residential backyards and finish the project.
Work was done by June 7 and the council resolved to pursue Hibbo Hire for costs and damages.
Council spokesman Nick Redmond said residents between Summer Street East and McLachlan had already seen the benefits of the reinforced channel, while the next stage would involve upgrading a culvert running under McLachlan Street, however no timeframe had been set yet.