Christchurch Earthquake Update - Sunday 12 September

Christchurch City Council's building evaluation team is continuing to focus on dealing with properties which pose an immediate danger to people or other property. Inspectors are visiting seriously damaged properties to provide an evaluation on whether the building is habitable.

The building evaluation team has now visited 5639 buildings, and 3.3 percent red notices have been issued, 14.8 percent yellow and 81.9 percent green.

For a full explanation of what the notices mean and the property owner's responsibilities please follow this link - http://resources.ccc.govt.nz/files/DefinitionsofPlacards.pdf

The building evaluation team will not be checking every residential or commercial building in the Christchurch City Council area. Property owners will need to seek independent building advice for matters not posing an immediate danger. They can also contact their insurance company and EQC for advice A Building Recovery Office has been set up on the Ground Floor of the new Christchurch City Council Civic Offices at 53 Hereford Street. The purpose of the office is to provide advice and a streamlined consenting/approval process for buildings damaged in the earthquake. Property owners who have issues with their property's drainage or toilets not functioning properly should contact an authorised drainlayer or plumber to assess what work is needed.

The list is available on the Council website http://resources.ccc.govt.nz/files/RegisterOfAuthorisedDrainlayers-docs. pdf or by calling the Customer Call Centre on 941 8999.

The drainlayer will check to see if the problems are associated with the property or with the street. If it is in the property the drain layer will fix the fault and charge the homeowner who will be able to include the cost as part of an insurance claim.

If the fault is on the street, following normal Council procedure, the Council will need verification that the damage is a result of a structural failure on Council-land. The Council will need CCTV evidence from the drainlayer, as is standard practise. If the work is beyond the scope of the drainlayer, the Council will be called in to make the repair.

For further information, please refer to the Christchurch City Council website www.ccc.govt.nz, email info@ccc.govt.nz or contact the Christchurch City Council call centre on Ph 941 8999.

ENDS

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