Final pour of concrete for new Kai boat ramp

Volunteers spread the last load of concrete for Kaitangata’s new boat ramp last week, fulfilling a plan 10 years in the making for the last town on the Clutha River before the Pacific.

Nineteen cubic metres of concrete has been placed in four individual pours over the last four weeks.

"This part of the plan has been of the drawing board about four and a-half years," volunteer co-ordinator Blair Thompson said.

"Local council and Kai Promotions worked to sort out all the consents which finished up with Otago Regional Council eventually handing ownership of the ramp over to Clutha District Council, and things started happening a lot quicker after that.

"A lot of community members, local contractors and the fishing club have all mucked in to carry out the actual work, which has been being funded mostly with donations, especially from business from all around South Otago."

He said about $15,000 had been raised alongside donated materials such as timber.

The sloping slab has a rough lined finish for vehicle traction, and landscaping including bollards, shrubbery and a plaque acknowledging contributors will follow for a scenic park finish.

Mr Thompson said the concrete would cure over the weekend and be ready for use the following Monday, when senior volunteer Gary Maguire will have the honour of being the first to launch his boat from the popular fixture.

"I am looking forward to using it myself ... It’s one of the better ramps in South Otago, because of the depth and location.

"You can’t get a park in summer, and it’s also flat-out in whitebaiting and duck-shooting seasons. It’s used for all forms of water sports and activities."