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Roofing contractor Tony Stuart fixing a chimney - Source: ONE News -
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Many residents in Canterbury have found new damage after today's shakes - damage that could mean outside help is needed to rebuild Canterbury homes and businesses.
Already tradespeople in the region, such as builders and plumbers, are overworked and under pressure and the 5.1 aftershock this morning has added to the burden.
Roofing contractors are extremely busy, being called to fix cracked chimneys.
"I've looked at three or four chimneys this morning all of which showed no sign of damage before the quake this morning," said roofing contractor Tony Stuart, after finding new cracks in the chimney of one homeowner. "It's added to the worries, and the heartache of people."
Contractors are still trying to restore water and sewerage services to some homes.
But this isn't a quick fix-it job - councils suggesting it could take weeks to get all the main services back on everywhere.
Ironically, for the contractors at least, the quake damage has been a silver lining for their business.
"A lot of tradespeople been out of work, so I guess it's going to be good for them and they are going to be able to find work. But it's a horrible way to end a recession," said Stuart.
Others, like builder Lindsay Robinson agree. He says there are an estimated 100,000 damaged properties in the city and they will need double the usual number of contractors in the region to have it all fixed.
"It's going to be a long haul, including the rebuilding of Christchurch."
One Christchurch company is already seeking more workers for the influx of jobs in the city.
Tradestaff say they have work right now for all types of earthquake remedial workers.
Website Builderscrack.co.nz is matching qualified tradespeople to quake repair jobs and it is free to list a job .
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentgordy said on 2010-09-09 @ 13:59 NZDT: Report abusive post
Im my 51 years on this earth I have never felt so pertrified..my first thoughts was we had been hit by a nuclear bomb and it was Armageddon. Never ever want to experience it again
schicken said on 2010-09-08 @ 19:15 NZDT: Report abusive post
I thought the same thing initially. However, another quake big enough to close or shift the cracks further is likely to be heard first and all the kids will most likely be fine. If a child does get swallowed up, I'm probably not going to have huge empathy for the media coverage or their parents, but until then, let the region have a little bit of fun. Education about health risks regarding contaminated water may be a good idea for all. :)
thinkaboutit said on 2010-09-06 @ 23:06 NZDT: Report abusive post
More great coverage tonight TVNZ especially highlighting the situation at individual community levels where people reported they felt abandoned. All credit to those organising themselves into community working groups at this level despite this. Arguably the recovery process would be greatly enhanced if these community groups were psychologically and practically supported by establishing official coordination centres at individual community levels.
Madeleine Ware said on 2010-09-06 @ 17:31 NZDT: Report abusive post
You're making some good points here. Perhaps some of the donations could be towards purchasing and setting up storage of these sorts of things. Individuals are also responsible for making their own preparations. I clean and keep old 3L juice bottles filled with water. Every now and then I water my house plants with one and refill it to refresh it.
Madeleine Ware said on 2010-09-06 @ 17:25 NZDT: Report abusive post
Why are they buying water? Aren't there several tankers about the city giving it away?