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EQC Project Management Office to Repair 50,000 Homes
29 September 2010
The Earthquake Commission expects its project management office will be required to handle the repair of 50,000 properties moderately or seriously damaged in the Canterbury earthquake. A selective tender is currently underway to choose a company for the role.
EQC's chief executive, Ian Simpson, says the scale of the task is unprecedented in New Zealand.
"The company, from New Zealand or offshore, will ensure the work undertaken will be timely, equitable and of a high standard," he says.
The role of the project management office will include:
- Handling every aspect of repairs for householders,
- Ensuring a design and build approach is taken,
- Providing quality assurance,
- Development of a needs-based prioritisation system.
The office will also sub-contract and manage the many skilled contractors that will be required to carry out the building design, construction, repair and quantity surveying involved.
Building repairs, from approximately $10,000 up to $100,000 and involving structural restoration or a moderate level of damage, will be managed through the office. Claims above EQC's cap of $100,000 plus GST will be handled by commercial insurers in accordance with their policies.
EQC has also set up a fast-track process to pay out on claims for minor damage to property and contents. There is also a streamlined process for claims that involve only damage to chimneys.
Taken together these three streamlined processes will cover about 90 per cent of claims.
Claimants will also be able to organise their own repairs if they choose to. These claimants will have to ensure their repairs meet all required building and construction standards and payment will be made once EQC has received receipts and certificates for the work undertaken. They will also have to pay for any cost over-runs.
EQC has now received over 80,000 claims, with about 7,000 already assessed -mostly in the worst-affected areas.
There are now five EQC field offices operating in Canterbury and 350 staff on the ground. These numbers will continue to grow in the coming days and weeks.
ENDS
Further information:
Jo Martin Communications Adviser
Phone: (029) 978-6430
(04) 978-6400
Fax: (04) 978-6431
Email: info@eqc.govt.nz
Website: www.eqc.govt.nz