DCC sticking to its response on Sims Building

THE Dunedin City Council’s response on the historic Sims Building in Port Chalmers raises more questions.

This is the first time I have ever heard that timber was removed from a building because of an asbestos issue. A building is normally cleaned and tested before new material is attached.

What was the job description sent to prospective contractors? Why did demolition cease as soon as council staff and the Historic Places Trust were notified of timber removal?

If the contamination of the timber was serious, why has no further timber been removed? Why does the DCC engineer’s report dated June 2017 say that some timber was removed because of rot, with no mention of asbestos contamination?

Why was an engineer’s report not done before any work took place? Why was a Christchurch company employed for this job at a greater cost than a Dunedin company?

Because of the strict recording of dangerous materials, there should be records of where it was disposed of. Where is this information?

I can’t believe that the city council may be prepared to waste even more money erecting a temporary roof.

I am not asking it to restore the building to the latest building standards, but only to the condition it was in before the destruction took place. I am asking the council to put right its wrong.

Mark Brown Waitati

[Dunedin City Council group manager property services Dave Bainbridge replies:

‘‘We have already provided information about the reasons for this work, the tender process and what work was carried out. We’re satisfied proper processes were followed.

‘‘The key issue is that the material was removed for health and safety reasons. The focus now is on hearing from people who have clear proposals for the future use of the Sims Building and site.’’] ...................................

BIBLE READING: I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. — Ezekial 37:26.