Govt bows to pressure to release Chch's post-quake future

Wednesday 22nd June 2011 2 Comments

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the Government will reveal what it knows about the state of land in quake-damaged Christchurch tomorrow afternoon.

It would present options for homeowners with insurance in some of the worst affected areas, Brownlee said. The announcement will be made at a media briefing at 1.30pm.

Following pressure on him this week to reveal the fate of the worst of the quake-affected suburbs Brownlee said tomorrow was part of the Government's "commitment to providing timely and accurate information to the people of greater Christchurch".

Tomorrow would not provide all the answers to all residents, but the Government would provide regular updates on progress over coming weeks, he said.

"This announcement will provide some certainty for residents in the worst affected areas, and will give them options for their immediate future."

It is expected that some severely damaged suburbs will be abandoned as they remain serious earthquake risks.

A website and call centre will be activated tomorrow afternoon which residents will be able to visit or call to find out about the status of their land.

A series of community meetings will also be held over the next days and weeks for affected residents.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority said the Ministry of Social Development would be contacting vulnerable people in the worst hit areas.

NZPA

Comments from our readers

On 22 June 2011 at 3:58 pm HAVAGO said:

Not before time. To all of you in Government and the decision makers on this issue, every one knows there is no single simple answer to the CHCH earth quake situation but where there is obviously no hope of rebuilding why not tell the people and get on with it. The people in Christchurch and the country need some answers - now.

On 22 June 2011 at 6:52 pm Wal said:

could not agree more HAVAGO, we have been through so much punshes, we are grown up but hanging in the air is what get to us. and what did the Major of San Fransico say..don't delay decisions, don't delay information from the CHCH people,being in limbo and geting stuck there by people in power is just wrong..I am angry about Key and will not support such behaviour on the Ballet box