Wednesday, March 2, 2011

old dungas get blame

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has said that the old buildings in Christchurch will be pulled down so that they can no longer claim lives in earthquakes.

Stuff
Quite frankly people have died in this last earthquake trying to save old buildings. We're not going to do that any more. My absolutely strong position is that the old dungas, no matter what their connection, are going under the hammer."
"Old stuff, if it's got any damage at all, needs to be got down and got out, because it's dangerous and we don't need it."
No one would put a building above someone's life but there are some major inconsistancies with brownlee's statement. The two modernish buildings that came down killed more people than the heritage buildings. If you do this in Christchurch, which used to be considered a low earthquake risk compared to some other other cities in this country, then what about Wellington or somewhere else?


I am not opposed to bringing down damaged or dangerous buildings but let's do it with the proper mindset. Heritage buildings are about culture not just the bricks and buildings can be more than just buildings and that has to be considered. We do need them.

Good discussion in comments on Dim Post

3 comments:

Country Lane said...

This is the problem of having a Lord High Minister in Charge of Earthquake Stuff. Especially if it's going to be a buffoon like Buster Brownlee.
If that Minister - like Buster - is illinformed, ignorant or impulsive then stupid decisions will be made. Or at the least, stupid policy announcements that will make it harder for the people who know what they're talking abpout to do their jobs.

Ruahines said...

Kia ora Marty,
Just the start with these gnats. Using this as an excuse to romp ahead with their corporate agenda and any cultural, environmental, or historical factors be damned. Watch for the soon to be renewed and even more vigorous attacks upon our wilderness as we now "need" that hidden wealth even more. Key's language has already more than suggested that is us vs. Nature.

baruk said...

disaster capitalism in the brewing?