Council Covers Up Contractor Blunder, As Bridge of Remembrance Bill Tops $5,500
The NZR undercovers a hefty cleaning bill and council-led attempt to conceal contractor "sandpaper" botch-up at the iconic Bridge of Remembrance.
On 6 November last year, council-contractor Intergroup was tasked with removing pro-Palestine and anti-Israel graffiti from the Bridge of Remembrance.
Source: via the Christchurch City Council.
“Dear David Not ideal but it has happened now. They should not do any sanding or aggressive work without checking and specific authorisation. I think I mentioned to you that for the Bridge of Remembrance we had used Goldfields as they are stone masons and know what to do and how to handle stone. They did as much as they could but did not recommend sanding as they felt it may still not resolve the issue.”
Wolfgang Bopp Director of Botanic Gardens and Gardens Parks to David Laird, Operations Manager Parks Buildings.
During the process, Intergroup used sandpaper to remove part of one flag in breach of the council handbook and damaging the stone. Intergroup billed the council for $217.93 for the botched work.
Council worker, Sean Rainey, has confirmed “There is no reparations or litigation on this matter”.
In late November, when providing a media response, council decided to omit any mention of Intergroup’s non-compliant work and use of sandpaper all together.
Since November, Council has taken in-house the job of removing the graffiti itself at considerable cost. After Intergroup had left, staff worked on the bridge. The bill totaled $707.25.
Source: via the Christchurch City Council.
The Council then trained its own staff at a cost of $4740. Around $300 was spent on materials.
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