Ministers wants answers over cost blowout for EQC project

9:59 pm on 9 March 2012

The Earthquake Recovery Minister wants answers from the Earthquake Commission (EQC) about delays and a cost blowout in the construction of an experimental underground wall.

The wall was begun following the September earthquake, when it was thought a series of underground walls could protect earthquake-prone land.

Eighteen months later the wall hasn't been completed.

The minister, Gerry Brownlee, says while he doesn't know the final cost of the project, the budget has been increased several times.

"So I'm perplexed by EQC saying it is still inside budget, I'm not very happy about the way things have gone there, I think there's a lack of clarity and I don't think I have been given as much information as I should have been."

Mr Brownlee says he will seek answers from the commission when he meets with it next week.