The Christchurch City Council, alongside other agencies, continues to work on the recovery phase following the 4 September earthquake.

This is focused on the key areas of infrastructure, welfare, buildings, natural environment, business and rural issues. The Council has been in direct contact with those worst affected as well as keeping the community informed through paid advertising, public meetings, website updates, leaflet and letter drops, house and business visits.

Home visits
Council staff today visited 230 homes in the some of the worst-affected areas of the city to talk to residents about the problems they were facing so help could be found. In particular, the Council wants to find out exactly which homes are still having issues with sewerage to help in the rebuilding of damaged water and waste networks. Representatives from other agencies accompanied Council staff on these home visits to offer welfare advice.

The streets visited this week were:

• Robson Avenue
• Flescher Avenue
• Galbraith Avenue
• Mailing Street
• Pembroke Street (Avonside to Cardrona)
• Acland Avenue
• Lois Place

Some people were not at home when staff visited, and the Council would still like to speak to them. Calling cards were left at these homes, and residents asked to contact the Council call centre on 941 8999 to set up a time for a follow-up visit. Information packs were also distributed, containing information about the work going on in their area, frequently asked questions, grants application details and welfare support information.

New Zealand Red Cross grants
The Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Commission has given $1 million in grants to Canterbury people. The milestone was reached today, 29 September 2010 with 462 households so far receiving a total of $1.007 million in grants through the Canterbury Earthquake Commission.

As of close of business Tuesday 28 September, the Canterbury Earthquake Fund stood at $12,622,961 (including $5 million from the Government). Donations from individuals ($1,719,101) make up the single largest source of funds. In total, the Commission has received 729 grant applications so far. It is taking a maximum of five working days from receipt of all the required information to make decisions.

Read the Red Cross media release at http://www.redcross.org.nz/cms_display.php?sn=41&st=1&pg=9217 which includes comments from one of the grant recipients.

Grants assistance
In addition to the New Zealand Red Cross call centre set up to help people apply for emergency and hardship grants (0800 754 726), residents who need help filling in the application forms can visit one of the four Recovery Assistance Centres. They are open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4.30pm and are located at:

• Department of Labour, 144 Kilmore Street
• Linwood Community Link, 154 Aldwins Road
• Heartland Services, Hornby, 25 Shands Road
• Work and Income, New Brighton, 26 Beresford Street

Silt removal
The Council is co-ordinating the removal of silt and sand from properties affected by the earthquake. If they are able, residents are asked to pile the silt on the roadside and contact the Council’s call centre so pick-up can be arranged. If residents need assistance moving the silt, let the Council know and a volunteer or helper will be sent to the house. Reduced charges apply at Refuse Stations if people are able to take the silt there by trailer – these charges can be reimbursed on earthquake insurance claims.

Community facilities
Details on which community facilities are open around the city are being updated on the Council’s website. For more information visit www.ccc.govt.nz/StrongerChristchurch and you’ll find the list in the Council Facilities section.

Portaloos
There are currently 448 portaloos distributed around areas of the city which do not have working sewerage systems. Another 100 are expected to arrive from the North Island early next week.

For more information visit the Council website www.ccc.govt.nz/StrongerChristchurch

ENDS

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