Public information update: Monday 28 February 2011, 10.30am

Posted on Monday, February 28, 2011 by canterburyearthquake

Issued: 10.30am, Monday 28 February 2011

Immediate road closure
The main road in to Sumner from Cave Terrace to Nayland Street is now closed. This is due to rock-face assessment. To access Sumner, use Mount Pleasant Road and Summit Road, over Evans Pass.

Weather
The weather forecast is for galeforce winds for Christchurch from Tuesday night into Wednesday. Because of the unstable condition of many buildings and the amount of loose material around, the winds will pose an additional hazard. The silt also complicates the situation – as it dries and becomes dust, the silt will be prone to be blown around, therefore it is imperative that people only travel when it is essential.

Transport – Planning is underway for the resumption of passenger transport services in Christchurch. No date is set yet.

An after hours line available from 5pm to 8am for urgent servicing of portable toilets. Call SUPERLOO 0800 500 205.

Pioneer Stadium are now offering showers to the public.

Water
Remember to boil ALL water before drinking, including tanker water and normal tap water. The City Council will advise when it is no longer necessary to boil or treat tap water.

Student Volunteer Army
Volunteers wanting to take part in the Army tomorrow (Tues 1 March) are asked to be at the UCSA car park at 90 Ilam Road between 9 and 10am tomorrow. A marquee has been erected to house and cater for volunteers. People of all ages and abilities, especially those who may not be able to wield a shovel, will be welcomed with open arms. You can register for help, or volunteer on www.sva.org.nz, or phone 03 974 8414.

Excess rubbish
Any items that don’t fit in wheelie bins, can be taken to the Parkhouse Road or Styx Mill Transfer Stations. Normal charges will apply however you can keep your receipt and claim it in insurance claim. Please do not dump these on the road side.

Red Cross
To date, the Red Cross have raised a total of $5.2 million dollars.

Welfare
4 welfare centres open – Pioneer (50 people), Burnside (126), Windsor (6), Rangiora (82)

Staff are providing food, support and Civil Defence payments for groceries, clothing and bedding.

Anyone requiring emergency financial assistance should go to the WINZ centres currently open in Kaiapoi, Rangiora, Ashburton, Hornby and Riccarton. Centres in Linwood (154 Aldwins Road) and Shirley (203-205 Hills Road) will open today. Or call 0800 479997

Water

• 55,000 properties remain without water – 35% of the city (out of a total of 150,000).

• Water supply is intermittent in Lyttelton. Attempts are being made to fill reservoirs however a large number of leaks are limiting the process.

• Water tankers remain in the same positions as yesterday.

• Pioneer Stadium are now offering showers to the public.

• People whose properties appear undamaged and without siltation can use their showers. This must be done sparingly to conserve water.

• You can flush your toilets sparingly but if you have water supply. Stop if it does not flush properly – this could mean the network is damaged.

• Remember to boil ALL water before drinking, including tanker water and normal tap water. The City Council will advise when it is no longer necessary to boil or treat tap water.

Wastewater

• 759 portable toilets have been distributed around the city. A further 317 are on their way to Christchurch and are expected tomorrow (Tuesday 1 March).

• 960 are arriving from the USA, 5,000 chemical toilets arriving next week.

• An after hours line available from 5pm to 8am for urgent servicing of portable toilets. Call SUPERLOO 0800 500 205

Roading
Good progress is being made with the removal of sand and silt. A total of 16,200 tonnes was moved yesterday out of an estimated total of 180,000 tonnes. It is anticipated this will be completed by Friday 4 March. Once this is complete, the process of sucking and clearing pipes will begin, which will enable a better understanding of the state of the underground infrastructure.

Rubbish collection

• Kerbside collection for rubbish and organics is continuing weekly. There will be no recycling collection until further notice.

• Residents can now place toilet waste in their rubbish bins as long as it’s wrapped in paper or plastic. Please remember to sanitise your hands after handling waste.

• Any items that don’t fit in wheelie bins, can be taken to the Parkhouse Road or Styx Mill Transfer Stations. Normal charges will apply however you can keep your receipt and claim it in insurance claim. Please do not dump these on the road side.

• Operation Suburb
As of last night, 13,814 buildings have been assessed, with 625 receiving red stickers (4.5%).

Transport
Planning is underway for the resumption of passenger transport services in Christchurch. No date is set yet.

ENDS

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