Adams: Govt must defuse leaky homes timebomb
Wednesday, 15 June 2005
Adams: Govt must defuse leaky homes timebomb
United Future housing spokesperson Paul Adams today called on the Government to make interest-free loans available to the home owners who have fallen "victim" to a leaky home so that repairs can be commenced immediately.
"These homes are rotting from the outside in and time is not on the side of the home owners," he told Parliament during a finance debate.
Mr Adams urged the Government to address the time bomb it had on its hands with leaking homes.
"It's one thing for us to sit here and make laws, rules and regulations, but what happens when those go horribly wrong as has happened with the leaking homes situation?
"I have heard stories of floors collapsing, children falling through rotting floors, decks collapsing and all of this while people have to live in these homes.
"Yes, the process of determining fault and liability must still continue. Monies can be collected from the appropriate parties as liability is determined.
"However Government's first responsibility, must be to those innocent home owners who at the moment are helplessly watching their home and investment rot around them, not to mention the safety issues involved.
"This is a national disaster that requires Government funding right now," said Mr Adams.
ENDS