14 buildings still quake risk

Three months out from an already-extended deadline, just over half of Wellington’s buildings with dangerous masonry have been secured.

Despite the progress made, owners of 14 of the 113 buildings identified by Wellington City Council after the 2016 Kaiko¯ ura earthquake have yet to start emergency work – more than a year after they were told to.

The buildings’ owners were given a government-imposed deadline to secure them. The deadline, which was extended by six months, is now between September 15 and 27.

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester expressed concern over those leaving it to the last minute.

‘‘With three months to go, time is running out for those who haven’t yet started. This is work that is important for public safety [and] council is undertaking millions of dollars’ worth of work on its own buildings. We urge those who haven’t started to do so.

‘‘Resilience is one of the city’s priorities and, for Wellington, resilience starts with the buildings in and around where we spend a good part of our lives,’’ Lester said.

So far, 59 buildings have been taken off the council’s list, with 54 buildings still having work carried out, or having completed, but not submitted, final documentation.

To assist with the urgency of the work, the council had contributed $1 million, alongside the $2m fronted by the Government.

This funding can be used to cover up to half the costs of work involved in securing the parapet and facade, up to a maximum of $25,000 for buildings two storeys and below, and up to $65,000 for buildings three storeys or over.

Unreinforced masonry refers to clay brick, concrete block or stone units bound together using lime or cement mortar, without any reinforcing elements.

Those who miss the September deadline will likely face the wrath of the council which ‘‘was prepared to prosecute’’.

Thirty-nine people were killed and more than 100 people injured by unreinforced masonry buildings in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.