Earthquake fears prompt Water Tower closure

Public admission to Invercargill’s iconic Water Tower is to be stopped – at least temporarily – while Council considers the risks the historic building would pose to public safety in the event of an earthquake.

Water Manager Alister Murray said heightened awareness and concern about the impact of an earthquake on unreinforced masonry structures had led to the Water Tower being closed to the public in the meantime.

It was a precautionary measure with public safety being the main consideration.

Mr Murray said the decision for interim closure had been made by staff but would be taken to elected members for consideration next week.

“I will be recommending to Council that we seek an Engineer’s Report on the Water Tower. Given the demand nationally for this type of report this may take some time. Once the report has been completed it will be taken back to Council for elected members to review the situation.

“To many people the Water Tower is more than just a building – it is an integral part of Invercargill’s skyline and part of our community.

“When the Water Tower was refurbished in 1989, companies such as New Zealand Aluminum Smelters, groups and members of the public got behind the refurbishment to donate goods and money.

“People in our community will want to be informed and involved in the future of the Water Tower,” he said.

Mr Murray said that Council staff would be contacting those groups who had already booked tours of the Water Tower.

“We do apologise for the inconvenience. We are proud of our Water Tower and want members of the public to be able to see it – but we must put public safety first,” he said.