"The contract has been awarded to Aviemore Irrigation, and we expect the work to begin in March," he said.
In September last year, council projects leader Erik van der Spek confirmed the budget was $300,000, which included disposing of the ponds’ sediment.
The European perch within the ponds will be transferred, Mr Burgher said.
"We've consulted with Fish & Game, and will be netting and transferring perch from one pond to another in turn while each pond is cleaned."
Meanwhile, a flooding issue from one of the ponds has been resolved.
Council recreation manager Lindsay Hyde said the root mass from a large sequoia was impeding fluming adjacent to Oamaru Creek.
"Roots had penetrated into an opening of the pipe that had previously been reinstated with a loose plastic covering.
"A riser has been installed in this portion of the pipe to create an air-drying effect so it’s a less favourable environment for root growth and easier access to check in the future."
The "aged cast pipe" pond outlet was otherwise complete and in good condition.
