Answers from quake

It’s surely a quirky outcome when we get many of the answers we are seeking from the spooky recent earthquake.

Wellington has over the years fidgeted with concerns and never been sure as TO how strongly its buildings are constructed, their likelihood of collapse, danger to our people, and requirements for safe repairs, both structural and internal, and of complete rebuilds.

Now from experience we know some of the important answers and we have solid facts as bases for our actions if and when the time comes.

It is now up to central government and the city council to without delay consult the most experienced engineers to assess the damage, how it occurred and determine no-short-cut actions to be taken in repairing or rebuilding our city.

We should be comforted by the experience of the United States’ second city, the metropolis of Los Angeles. It sits precariously close to the infamous San Andreas fault. Their citizens faced the possibility of massive quakes the only sensible way and took the severest preventive actions. To my knowledge there have been no serious collapses or consequences over many years in that city. Wellington must follow LA’s example in full measure and become New Zealand’s benchmark for earthquake safety.

It can be done and it must be done. DEREK SHEPHERD Papakowhai