$60 - $120 Million in Repairs Likely for Earthquake Ravaged Waimakariri

The cost of repairs to earthquake ravaged Waimakariri could top $120 million dollars. The Waimakariri District Council has estimated replacement costs for recreation and community buildings, utilities, road and footpath repairs could range from $67 million to over $120 million.

Chief Executive, Jim Palmer, says repairing damaged parks and community buildings alone – including the Kaiapoi service centre and library – is likely to cost more than $7million. While insurance would cover the bulk of these costs, council will still need to find around $1.5 million in this regard.

“Our contribution to the final total bill is unknown with Government yet to announce subsidies for repair.”

The Waimakariri District Council is currently spending more than $200,000 a day authorised from emergency unbudgeted funds to effect the much needed immediate repair work, to restore services to the river town of Kaiapoi and surrounding communities, hardest hit by the 7.1 quake.

“The priority is supporting our community and restoring services as quickly as we can. That means getting water on and cleaning up the silt, so it is not going into the stormwater system, and trying to get as much of the sewer system working as possible.

“Though this is only the first step and it has not been possible for us to quantify the full costs to us for the repairs and ultimately renewal of some water, sewer and stormwater lines, roads and footpaths.”

Getting services back into the condition they were prior to the quake is expected to take at least a year – potentially more. In the interim the council will put in temporary solutions.

Mayor, Ron Keating, says there is no doubt the earthquake has dealt a serious blow to the district and region, and his community is grateful to the tremendous amount of help pouring in from all over New Zealand as well as from within the district and neighbouring communities.

“The response and ongoing efforts from council staff, the huge force of contractors, Army, Police, and the hundreds of volunteers is ‘nothing short of phenomenal.’

“I have blown away with true generosity of spirit that comes from the community and the people here. Everyone has pulled together to do what they can do for each other. We are all very grateful for the ongoing offers of all manner of assistance.

“I know people are still in shock, but if we can bring ourselves to look on the positive side, we also have a huge opportunity to build better things out of this for our community.”

Chief Executive, Jim Palmer, acknowledges the efforts and ongoing commitment from staff, contractors and other councils, who have com from throughout the country to help restore damaged services, is outstanding.

“Our engineering, water unit and technical services staff are doing an absolutely brilliant job in the field co-ordinating resources and working through priorities.”

More than 3,000 buildings have now been assessed within the worst affected areas.

138 properties have been red stickered (meaning they are ‘currently’ not fit habitation) – 22 of these are in the Kaiapoi commercial area.

A number of buildings in the Central Business District may be demolished.

A further 378 properties need repairs and are at risk of further damage from further shaking.

Home owners and businesses whose properties have clearly suffered structural damage now need to begin the formal process for damage assessment. This needs to be done through the Earthquake Commission and the home or business owner’s own insurance company.

Anyone who has had to leave their home or is feeling vulnerable or unwell should make their way to the Kaiapoi Rugby Football Clubrooms where a welfare centre has been established. There are also drop-in centres at Pines Beach and Tuahiwi Marae.

Access is still being restricted to Kaiapoi, Pines Beach and Kairaki during the hours of 7pm to 7am, until at least Monday

ENDS

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