Tuapeka Mouth residents are feeling "frustrated" after requests to remove clogged trees and debris gathering under the Tuapeka Bridge have not been acted on.
One resident, who wished not to be named, said she had been contacting the Otago Regional Council (ORC) for a solution for months but nothing had been done.
"The most recent time I contacted them was October 3rd and I was told it would be sorted.
"It hasn’t been sorted even though they said it would take up to five working days to get the trees out."
Many trees had fallen into the river because of the recent flooding event and had clogged the river near the bridge.
"Trees had been sprayed and taken down, and left in piles on the sides of the river, so when bad weather happens they have been falling into the river."
She said debris in the river had been an issue for at least two years and the recent flooding had made the situation worse.
"We desperately need them taken out otherwise more damages will occur."
Another resident agreed.
"It’s quite amazing to see it all up the river," he said.
"There is already so much gathered by the bridge. It’s going to get stuck under soon if nothing gets sorted.
"We’re worried that the historic dam is going to get damaged as the issue is gradually getting worse," he said.
"They’re big trees and they have taken out fences before."
ORC engineering manager Michelle Mifflin said they had been informed and were working toward clearing out the trees.
"ORC was advised and we have a works contract in place.
"We are currently awaiting the contractor to be able to get in and clear them all out," she said.
"However, ground conditions are still soft due to recent high water in Clutha and backing up from the Tuapeka.
"The trees are not caught up on the bridge, but are just upstream of the piers.
"The trees will be removed as soon as ground conditions improve and it is safe to do so."
