4 May 2011

Hawke's Bay homes still uninhabitable

4:19 pm on 4 May 2011

More than 50 houses in Hawke's Bay still cannot be used following flooding and slips last week.

The Hastings District Council says 16 properties have been given red stickers in Waimarama, 14 in Te Awanga and nine in Ocean Beach, meaning it is too dangerous for them to be used. Most are unoccupied holiday homes.

Civil Defence says about 15 properties and some baches have been given red stickers in southern Pourerere.

Flooding and sewerage problems are preventing people from returning. Water testing is continuing in Waimarama.

The council says people may notice a change in the water's taste as chlorine is being added.

However, people should continue to boil water until Friday, it says.