Relief housing complex for flood-hit West Coast residents ‘music to their ears’

Buller mayor Jamie Cleine says news of the arrival of the first relief home in Westport is music to the ears of flood victims.

Housing Minister Megan Woods says the first of 20 houses in the $17.8 million Westport temporary accommodation village will be delivered next month.

Cleine said that was great news for around 40 residents and families living in portable cabins on their flood-damaged properties – and another 20 housed in motels since floods hit the town.

Residents will start moving into the temporary village on Alma Road in October.

Another two relief houses will be set up elsewhere in Westport.

The temporary accommodation village is funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Cleine said some homes, which have been built off-site, would be moved to the location over the next month.

“I understand they’ve (the builders) have got some there waiting on blocks, ready to move in the next month or so,” he said.

“It’s really good news and certainly will be music to the ears of people who are still holed up in motels.”

Cleine said the situation was tough for residents.

“It’s fair to say there are high levels of anxiety and frustration around people who are still stuck in that ultra-temporary accommodation,” he said.

“And that’s being seen in things like difficulty with students working their way through NCEA, not having a proper house where they can have a room and some space so they can do their school work and study.

“All of the social issues that come with people being cooped up, especially during winter.

“There’ll be a lot of people please to see this project come to fruition and gives them a solid standing to which they can rebuild their life.”

The temporary village is expected to be completed before the end of the year and the first residents are likely to move in, in October.