Residents urged to leave dangerous homes

Christchurch City Council is taking steps to ensure Port Hills residents do not remain in homes that are in danger of geotechnical risks like rockfall, cliff collapse and landslide.

Around 500 homes have been issued notices prohibiting entry under section 124 of the Building Act for geotechnical reasons because of the significant risk created by recent earthquakes. The Council has issued these notices because it is considered dangerous to live in these homes and public safety has been the top priority.

Despite the danger, the Council is aware of a small number of residents who have chosen to remain in their homes and must now consider taking further action to ensure they do not remain at risk.

Council General Manager Regulation and Democracy Services Peter Mitchell says the Council is extremely concerned for the safety of any residents in this situation and urges them to heed the Building Act notices for their own safety.

“Where enforcement is required those property owners will be served with a notice to fix – this is effectively an immediate order to vacate the property. Further enforcement activity could follow if the notice to fix is not observed.

“While we understand that it is difficult for people who can not be in their homes, we must make safety the number one priority. The notices have been issued for good reason and it is very important that people follow them,” Mr Mitchell says.

Support and assistance

Residents are advised to contact their insurance company to discuss how their policies can be used to provide assistance during the time that notices are in effect.

For information on Government assistance that may be available to homeowners, visit the Support and Assistance section of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) website www.cera.govt.nz/support-and-assistance or phone 0800 RING CERA (0800 7464 2372 ).