Are you happy with the Government's response to the earthquake?

Photo / Mark Mitchell

As the city appears to be getting back on its feet 19 days after the 7.1 magnitude quake - with the city centre, shops and schools reopened - weary residents in the ravaged riverside suburb of Avonside struggle on in "third world" conditions.

They are living in cracked and damaged homes, without sewerage and drainage, uncertain about the water coming out of the taps, getting sick from the contaminated silt around them and worried about their futures.

The residents, many Housing New Zealand tenants, are living in cracked and sunken homes, still managing without sewerage and drainage, uncertain about using the water, getting sick from contaminated silt that has come from underground, and worried what their futures hold.

Debate on this issue is now closed. Here is a selection of Your Views: