Board disowns open drain

Press, 12 May 1981, Page 21

Board disowns open drain

A dangerous open drain, which runs between two papanui car-parks, is “Not the responsibility of the Christchurch Drainage Board.” according to the board’s works committee.

The committee was replying to a letter from the Papanui Central Business Association which asked that the board pipe the drain which runs between corner and Wyndham streets. According to the committee the drain runs betweeen land owned by Papanui Holdings. Ltd.' which allows the association to use the land as car parks.

The association is responsible to the customer who uses the parks, Mr M. J. Dobson said.

Mr J. G, Freeman thought that relevant local authorities should be approached so that, a possible danger could be dealt with.

The board had no legal responsibility in this matter, said the board's chief engineer. Mr P. J. McWilliam.

"The business association did write, to us in 1974 for permission to erect a bridge over the drain, but they have not gone ahead with’ this." Mr McWilliam said. The committee chairman. Mr N. Dodge, said: "We will offer the association technical advice for bridging and advise it of the urgent need to at least make the drain safe if it is not going to go ahead with any piping.”