The Christchurch City Council says it has broken the back of flood problems that have afflicted the earthquake-damaged city this year - but that could come with a $120 million price tag.
A mayoral flood taskforce was put together in response to ongoing flooding that has affected low-lying parts of the city since the quakes in 2010 and 2011. Since the taskforce was launched, 330 residents have contacted the council raising concerns.
The Flockton area has suffered from increased flooding since the earthquakes. Photo: RNZ / Nicola Grigg
On Thursday the council passed a range of resolutions to those households worst-affected. They include a $4.5 million pump station that will be operating in the Flockton Basin area within eight weeks. It is expected to benefit 129 properties and reduce regular flooding for a further 214.
The total bill does not include work needed in Lyttelton and Little River, nor does it account for a further $18 million needed to dredge parts of the Avon and Heathcote rivers.
Finance committee chairperson Raf Manji told the council that, added together, the cost of the short-term and long-term solutions would be high.
Lianne Dalziel. Photo: RNZ
"The potential cap-ex and op-ex of $17.5 (million), the dredging, which is not included in here which could be in excess of $18 million; say $3 million for Lyttelton and Little River - even though it's not earthquake related. Then if we go to the longer-term solutions - option one or two - which is going to be around $50 (million), I get a total of between $80 and $122 million."
Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel said on Thursday she hoped the Government would agree to a council request to make the earthquake temporary accommodation assistance available to those who have been forced to leave their properties as a result of quake-related flooding.
"This is earthquake-related damage and so, therefore, it's really important that the Government sees this as part of the total package of support that they're offering Christchurch at the moment in relation to the earthquakes."
Ms Dalziel said the Earthquake Commission has identified about 9000 Christchurch properties which could meet the criteria.
However, Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee said on Thursday the Government still needed to know the individual circumstances of the 56 worst affected households before it can help.
Court approves council's application
The High Court has approved an application from the Christchurch City Council to join the Earthquake Commission in proceedings to confirm responsibility for land remediation in flood-prone areas of the city.
EQC had asked for a ruling on homes and land with increased flooding vulnerability. Mayor Lianne Dalziel said the council obviously has an interest in the issue and should be a part of the proceedings.
Tanking option considered
The council is considering using a wrapping technology called 'tanking' to protect flood-prone homes from water getting inside them. The base of a house is encapsulated to protect its floor and foundations from water.
The mayoral taskforce recommends that the council begin trialling the technology on abandoned houses in the residential red zone.
It said a site has been identified and plans to wrap the house, build a moat around it and flood it are advancing with the Christchurch Earthquake Recovery Authority.
