Dam to be built around quake-hit suburbs

10:45 pm on 21 October 2010

The Government is to build what it describes as a massive dam around Christchurch suburbs affected by a major earthquake.

The underground wall structure will encircle eight areas damaged as a result of the 7.1 magnitude quake that hit Canterbury on 4 September.

The Government says the strengthened terrain will minimise the impact of large quakes on suburbs which have been affected by liquefaction.

The structure will be built underground on vacant public land that borders rivers and other waterways. It would be built from concrete or wooden columns that would be driven into the ground.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the plan could cost up to $200 million and would be paid for by the Government.

The plan requires approval from three local councils to proceed.

The Earthquake Commission hopes the remedial can start early next year. Chief executive Ian Simpson says the dams would generally be about 10 metres wide and ideally on public land.