24 February 2011

The New Zealand Contractors’ Federation has established a call centre to help coordinate civil contractors who can assist with the relief operation in Christchurch.

The Wellington-based centre will coordinate between organisations or individuals in Christchurch requiring assistance and contractors with the capacity and resources to undertake clean up and construction work.

Civil Contractors can complete demolition, remove and clean up materials resulting from liquefaction and building collapse, complete earthworks, repair drains and provide transport for materials associated with the clean up.

Federation Executive Officer Malcolm Abernethy said: “One of our members is part of the civil defence committee in Christchurch and said it would be helpful to have a service of this kind.”

The call centre will be manned from 8am-5pm and take email inquiries at other times. Freephone 0800 692376 or email Christchurch@nzcontractors.co.nz. EQC claim numbers should be quoted where available.

The federation has also urged residents and volunteers cleaning up properties to deposit debris on the footpath or grassed berm, while maintaining pedestrian access, rather than on roads to ensure clear routes for emergency services and vehicles carrying out repair and replacement work.

Cantabrians can also research and engage local reconstruction professionals from plumbers and electricians to builders and civil contractors via the EarthquakeFIX web portal set up following the September earthquake.

EarthquakeFIX (www.earthquakefix.co.nz) is a collaborative initiative between seven national membership organisations to ensure quake victims can confidently search out qualified and registered tradesmen.

ENDS

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