Drainage Contracts

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29101, 13 January 1960, Page 10

Drainage Contracts

The Christchurch Drainage Board is to be commended for its initiative in endeavouring to recruit more contractors for its construction programme. The shortage of skilled labour in the Christchurch area has probably contributed more than financial problems or material shortages to delays in sewer reticulation. Late last year the board decided to investigate labour resources on the West Coast; and it now intends to advertise contracts in other centres. The present board has shown a welcome readiness to adopt innovations in procedure so that its works programme can be expedited. One such successful innovation is the public opening of tenders. A long period must elapse before

the big accumulation of sewerage work in the metropolitan area can be completed. The board’s recent record is meritorious; and on some occasions contracts have been finished ahead of schedule. Unsewered housing is causing the health authorities increasing concern; and, although the City Council has taken measures to restrict its spread, difficulties will continue until sewers are available in every district. Satisfaction with the Drainage Board’s realistic policy probably induced citizens more than anything else to accept resignedly the latest substantial increase in drainage rates, enabling the board to make Christchurch a healthier, cleaner city.