Board to study penalties

Press, 17 November 1982, Page 6

Board to study penalties

Possible financial penalties to be imposed on contractors who failed to finish jobs on time will be studied by the Christchurch Drainage Board. Mr R. Stewart told the board last evening that he was concerned that some contractors were consistently late in. finishing jobs. . . Although the board was not . held responsible for any additional costs incurred by a.late finish, he thought there must be some “flow over” effect. ' “I feel the board would be saving a few more dollars if it took a firmer line on completion dates,” Mr Stewart said.

Ratepayers were subject to a 10 per cent penalty if they were late in making payments, he said. He did not want to penalise contractors who had good reason for finishing jobs late, only those who were consistently late.. • Other board members were also in favour- of the idea. - . ■ The chairman, Mr C. H. Russell, said that most contracts carried a penalty, clause, but they could sometimes be hard to enforce. The matter was referred to the tenders committee. Earthworks on a subdivision near Princess Margaret

Hospital will be investigated by the development and construction committee. Mr J. F. Davidson told the board that the Heathcote River was at risk of being polluted with silt from the area because of the methods used. The land, which was well known for its silt content, had been stripped of trees and did not nave enough support to prevent silt being washed into the river. Mr Newton Dodge had also seen the area and was “astounded” by the earthworks. Big heaps of soil had been placed near the road and recent rain had washed; about 15cm of silt on to the road.