Wednesday, 01 September 2010
RESIDENTS evacuated from three Muriwai Drive properties for two weeks because of landslide fears will have to wait at least another fortnight before they know whether they can return.
Their properties at 25, 27 and the six apartments at 29 Muriwai Drive have been declared dangerous under the Building Act and are not allowed to be occupied.
The residents met representatives from Whakatane District Council and the Earthquake Commission on Friday for an update on the landslide danger, after geotechnical engineers had carried out an investigation.
A crack has opened in the ground 60 metres above the properties.
According to one of the residents, engineers drilled into the escarpment behind their homes and a large volume of water was released.
The resident said land movement recorded on the face behind their properties had slowed considerably.