Dams could delay quake rebuild

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Construction of underground dams in Canterbury could delay repairs to quake-damaged homes by up to two years.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee last month said the massive underground stone dams would be built in eight quake-hit areas, only two of which - Avonside and Kaiapoi - were identified.

Repairing or rebuilding homes in the areas would have to wait until after the dams had been built, which was expected to take about two years, The Press reported today.

Earthquake Commission chief executive Ian Simpson said parts of the dams could be built under private property.

The dams would be 10m wide and deep, so there would be some disruption, he said. Some homes could need to be demolished.

"It's something we want to avoid if possible but we can't give a cast-iron guarantee."

A land report, due to be released next week, will identify the affected properties.

The lack of property-specific information on land remediation - intended to prevent liquefaction and lateral spreading in future quakes - has caused frustration.

Many insurers will not process claims without that information.

Mr Simpson said a second land report, due early next year, would allow insurers to process the claims.

- NZPA