An "upset" Otago regional councillor has asked
what processes are to be put in place to ensure the problems
with a toxic home in North Dunedin do not reoccur.
Earlier this month, it was revealed three adults and three
young girls had been renting a home in Selwyn St, owned by
the Otago Regional Council, unaware the property was
contaminated with lead.
The property was being managed by Harveys and it was revealed
the company had not passed on a regional council instruction
that its tenants had to be told about the contamination.
Yesterday, council chief executive Graeme Martin raised the
issue at a council meeting, explaining to councillors further
testing was being done on the site to ascertain whether the
contamination exceeded the "strip" of land on the property
where it was known to be.
"Low-level lead contamination is not uncommon."
The property had been bought as part of land acquisitions for
the Leith-Lindsay flood protection scheme and it was planned
to remedy the site as part of the work, he said.
Cr Bryan Scott said he was "upset" about the situation and
struggled with what had happened, especially as it involved a
family with young children.
He asked Mr Martin what processes were being put in place to
stop a similar situation arising again.
The council needed to set an example, a standard of how
people should act in the community, he said.
Mr Martin said it was an issue staff were working through but
it was a difficult one.
In this situation, the family involved was not the tenant who
signed the agreement.
Cr Michael Deaker was concerned the property had been rented
at all.
Mr Martin said he fully supported council staff's decision to
rent out the property, as the contamination level was
considered to be "minor", tenants were to be told of the
situation, and any tenancies were expected to be short term.
rebecca.fox@odt.co.nz
