Timaru landslip damage - media response
EQC received a query from the Timaru Herald regarding properties in the city that suffered landslip damage after the storms that hit the region in July 2017. The Herald asked whether EQC has settled the claims, whether any repairs are underway, are the houses safe to occupy and what work is being down to secure the area from further slip damage.
We responded to say that EQC has worked closely with all of the homeowners whose Douglas Street properties suffered landslip damage after the storms in July last year.
The amount that EQC pays in settlement for land claims is based on either the cost to repair the land, or the value of the damaged land, whichever amount is less. Our approach is to cash settle these claims and the homeowners arrange for work to be carried out to clear or repair their land once EQC’s payment is made.
It is our information that repairs are due to start for a property that we have cash settled. EQC is waiting to receive technical reports on the other properties which have EQC claims lodged for them so we cash settle the remaining properties. Any decisions on the actual repair work to the land and dwellings are a matter for the homeowners. The Council will make a decision if the houses are safe to occupy under the Building Act and whether any further land stabilisation work in the area is required.
