The aim of the program is to ensure a consistent standard of assessment for all sewer and stormwater drains for customers making earthquake-damage drainage claims.
The inspections, which are being conducted free of charge by some of Canterbury’s largest drainlaying firms, will include all properties where new drainage claims have been lodged in 2016.
The assessment program was devised in reaction to past assessment information which the Earthquake and War Damages Commission (EQC) found varied significantly between cases.
Trish Keith, EQG’s General Manager – Customer and Claims, said “In the past we’ve had to go back to drainlayers to get the level of information we’ve needed to settle drainage claims, which has added unnecessary time and hassle for customers.
“The new assessment process – which was trialled successfully with drainlayers at the end of last year – offers much more guidance for drainlayers. The new process should ensure the reports are consistent and capture all earthquake damage.”
The EQC was founded in 1945 following the 1944 Wairapa Earthquake and aims to support residents of New Zealand before, during and after natural disasters.
For further information visit the EQC website.