The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera) released an update on the 28th September 2011 that listed facts about the damage caused by the September 4th 2010 earthquake as well as the 6.3 quakes on the 22nd February 2011 and 13th June 2011.
Earthquake Damage to Christchurch’s Infrastructure
Christchurch has experienced over 8000 aftershocks in the last 13 months as well as three major earthquakes. Although the actual shaking can be measured in minutes, the damage is estimated to be as much as NZ$30 billion. The latest report from Cera listed some of the costly damage caused by the seismic activity:
- 500,000 tons of silt has been removed from the city and suburban areas.
- 600 kilometers of roads were damaged and 20 of these roads are still closed.
- 300 kilometers of sewer pipes need to be replaced.
- 1000 workers are currently working on the roads and water systems.
- 600 power cable faults have been repaired.
- 4840 owners of property in the residential red zone have been extended a governmental offer for their property.
While great progress has been made, many roads are still bumpy, and sink holes and large humps are common hazards. Traffic cones are used to demarcate areas that are particularly uneven.
Cera and Access to the CBD Red Zone
Over a year has passed since the 7.1 September earthquake and seven months since the 6.3 February shake. The inner city is still cordoned off and access is strictly controlled by police and the military. The Cera report released on the 28th September reported the following progress in the restricted CBD:
- There have been 50,000 truck movements in and out of the red zone.
- 600 people in approximately 80 crews work in the red zone each day. They are primarily involved in demolition and clearing land.
- 546 buildings have been demolished and the sites cleared in preparation for the rebuild.
- It is hoped that 40% of damaged buildings five storeys or higher will be demolished by September 2012. Demolition of all damaged CBD buildings with less than five storeys should be completed by February 2012.
Cera announced on the 20th September that they are looking at introducing bus tours through the red zone to allow Christchurch residents to see what remains of their city. The organization and Civil Defense have come under heavy fire for allowing celebrities such as Rachel Hunter and Prince William to tour the devastated CBD while locals have been locked out since February. The latest outcry was provoked when a tour was given to foreign journalists in New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup. The Press reported that a survey indicated that 61% of Christchurch people felt it was unfair to grant them access.
Chief Executive of Cera, Roger Sutton says further details will be released on the proposed bus tours over the next couple of weeks. For many people in Christchurch, the tours will come too late as much of the city has already been demolished.
Debbie Roome - Debbie Roome is an award-winning freelance writer, journalist and novelist with over 25 years experience.
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