A call has been made for a construction supremo to be appointed in Christchurch to guard against price-gouging and in-fighting in the aftermath of the earthquake.
John Jackson, who helped rebuild Darwin after Cyclone Tracy in 1974, says such an appointment would resolve conflicting demands for resources and prevent overcharging by tradesmen and building materials suppliers.
Mr Jackson says a supremo would ensure systems are not overwhelmed.
There are reports from Christchurch that some tradespeople are charging an earthquake premium.
However, the Canterbury Masterbuilders Association disagrees a supremo is necessary.
President Richard Field says the first wave of repair work won't begin until at least December when people receive insurance or Earthquake Commission payments.
Mr Field says he has seen no evidence of cowboy tradesmen or premium prices being charged.
