Fingers Pointed Over Quake Recovery Problems

Blames was passed around today over problems in repairing quake damaged homes in Christchurch as MPs debated the performance of Crown Entities.

The three hour debate included Ruth Dyson accused the Earthquake Commission of arrogance and bullying saying it was trying to force people in Christchurch to take cash settlements instead of getting repairs done on their homes because of the long waiting time for work to be done.

The responsible minister Gerry Brownlee defended the EQC saying it was doing a tough job and getting the majority of cases settled. Some cases including the plight of one person referred to by Dyson were complex because they involved multi-unit dwellings. Brownlee accused some lawyers in Christchurch of making money out of the legal arguments which delayed work while they were taking a flick at EQC. The statistics showed in general EQC was doing a good job, he said.

The debate ended shortly after 7.30pm on a voice vote. MPs began the debate on the committee stage of the Taxation (Annual Rates, Employee Allowances, and Remedial Matters) Bill.

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