A $43,000 fuel bill paid
Contractors, who worked tirelessly to clean-up liquefaction from some of the worst hit streets and properties in Christchurch, are to receive a major financial boost.
The rural farming co-operative CRT, in conjunction with its fuel supplier Caltex, has announced it will pay $43,000 dollars in operational costs and fuel costs incurred by Bobcat and digger operators.
These contractors, who helped hundreds of families in February struggling to cope in the immediate aftermath of the quake, initially donated their time and equipment but were left facing a substantial bill as the extent of the liquefaction became apparent.
Background
Immediately after the February 22nd earthquake, a group of private contractors and friends with access to machinery and diggers launched an operation to help clean up some of the worst affected properties Wainoni, Dallington and Avondale.
Over a two and a half week period this group cleared mud, sand and silt from more than six hundred properties, giving residents not only access to their homes but a renewed sense of hope.
Using commercial contacts and coordinating with the Rotary Club of Christchurch Sunrise and voluntary groups; ‘Operation Liquefaction’ is an example of small businesses coming together to make a big difference.
Their efforts will be recognised when CRT / Caltex and residents from Gertrude Place in Avondale hand over a cheque for $43,000 to contractors on Thursday 17th November at 2.00pm.