Council Services
in Excellent Shape

Christchurch's basic services are in good shape to withstand most potential hazards, but there is no room for complacency in preparing for such an event was the message at a recent disaster and emergency planning seminar undertaken by the Christchurch City Council and Civil Defence.

Examining the capability of the City to withstand various types of emergencies, the seminar heard that roads, sewerage, the water supply, electricity, rail, airports and ports might all suffer if a serious event were to take place in the region, but depending on the size and nature of the disaster, Christchurch would be able to start functioning again reasonably quickly.

"Although we looked at a wide range of different hazards, including rivers flooding, gale force winds, a tsunami and heavy snows, the worst case scenario would be a major earthquake," said manager of the Council's City Streets unit, Mark Gordon, who was involved in assessing the risks.

Southpower participated in the seminar and guaranteed that electricity suppy could withstand most disasters, including earthquakes, and was in excellent shape for the city.

"For roads, the first priority would be to ensure that critical routes around the central city are open, with full access to centrally located emergency services including the hospital, fire and ambulance services," he said.

Meanwhile, although a major disaster would cause big headaches, Christchurch would be unlikely to lose its water supply altogether.

"Because we have a number of independent wells and pumping systems rather than one single main coming into the City, we would be able to cope with a disaster and keep water supplied across virtually the whole network. Ensuring power to keep the pumps going would be the main consideration and at least half the pumping stations have independent generators, so we would be able to cope," said Council Water Services Manager Alan Watson.

In conjunction with the Council's seminar, the University of Canterbury Centre for Advanced Engineering has produced 'Risks and Realities' a summary of the impact and responses to natural hazards in Christchurch.

Essential services review
Dennis Morgan, 941 8437, Mark Gordon 941 8653, Alan Watson 371 1303

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