But the Dunedin City Council says Downer responded quickly to the flooding and its actions were appropriate.
Cr Whiley said Downer staff had responded poorly when a section of Portsmouth Dr flooded on Tuesday morning.
Downer closed a flooded lane and the ''rush-hour'' traffic was delayed, making motorists late, including Cr Whiley.
''I'm livid. Downer have taken on this contract and, yes, they have fulfilled the service of the contract but had they fulfilled the service of the community - no,'' Cr Whiley said.
The traffic congestion was widespread and traffic was delayed in Andersons Bay, Musselburgh and on Otago Peninsula.
The council were called about the flooding at 6.23am, and Downer staff attended at 6.30am but the truck with a pump to clear the floodwater arrived nearly two hours later, Cr Whiley said.
''Only three staff were deployed to clear the floodwater ... I don't think they had enough staff on hand. I don't think they managed the issue very clearly.''
Two lanes could have remained open if Downer had used the wide median strip, Cr Whiley said.
Downer had failed to notify the media about the lane closure, which caused further delays.
''It was a poor management plan.''
Council acting transport group manager Richard Saunders said Downer responded quickly to the flooding and its actions were appropriate.
''The priority for the response was to ensure public safety and the contractors did ensure one lane was kept open so traffic could keep moving.
''Unfortunately, large weather events can result in a disruption to traffic, which is what occurred on this occasion.''
A king tide had contributed to the flooding, he said.
''Staff will debrief with Downer on the heavy rain event, but we are happy with the actions they took in the circumstances.''
