Council building leaks again

The lack of weather protection and structural integrity provided by Waimate’s District Council offices’ roof tiles have become a major concern as the building continues to leak, chief executive Stuart Duncan says.

Last month, over two days, water came through the building’s ceiling dripping down into a work area. This has happened several times during the past few years ‘‘irrespective of significant repairs’’, he said.

Duncan said issues with the roof continue as it is constructed of concrete tiles that collectively weigh 56 tonnes – each tile fixed into place by hooking the lip of each tile over a timber batten.

Recent reports indicated that heavy concrete and clay tiles did not perform well in the Canterbury earthquakes and were vulnerable to being displaced or dislodged unless they were mechanically fixed to the frame of the building, Duncan said.

He raised concerns at the council’s audit and risk meeting yesterday.

At a council meeting in April it was revealed a planned $1.5 million extension of Waimate’s library had morphed into a redevelopment proposal taking in the council’s offices and chambers because of concerns at the condition of the building.

The extension plan has been on the council’s books for 18 years and in the 2012-22 Long Term Plan (LTP) it was proposed for 2015-16. It was to be funded by an external loan with a $142,000 impact on rates in 2019/20. committee

The council has proposed an ‘‘extension’’ for 2020-21 as a more far-reaching ‘‘redevelopment’’, now with a slightly reduced $1.4m budget as $100,000 of it is tagged for researching and planning the project’s work.

At yesterday’s meeting, Duncan said recent concerns would ‘‘push at other considerations’’.

‘‘I have been looking at it [the building] with engineers. I will be looking at the short term options and technical response,’’ he said.

Duncan said the recent reports about the tiles not performing well in an earthquake was a concern for the council as the cost to secure the existing roof tiles and prevent future leaks may be more expensive than replacing the concrete tiles with lighter and more resilient long-run steel.

‘‘The loss of roofing materials will render the building unusable as an emergency operations centre should a significant earthquake occur.’’

Duncan said council needed ‘‘a fresh assessment of the building to ensure we understand all of the options before spending significant funds’’.