Concerns regarding non-compliance have resulted in Southland District Council issuing a Notice to Fix for the building known as Winton Lifestyle.
Southland Mayor Gary Tong said the notice was issued on 9 September 2020 for 54 Church Street, Winton, due to the Annual Building Warrant of Fitness documents not being supplied to Council as required.
“These documents assure Council that the safety systems in the building are operating correctly by providing evidence of compliance from an independently qualified person,” he said.
“Therefore, Council requires the owner of the building to provide sufficient evidence no later than midnight on 7 October 2020.”
A subsequent progress inspection completed on the building on 1 October 2020 has shown Council that not all safety systems are fully operational, creating a risk for the 24 residents, some of which are elderly.
“If this is not rectified to Council satisfaction as required by the Notice to Fix, residents may not be permitted to sleep in the building from 8 October 2020 until all systems are working and Council is assured of their safety,” Mr Tong said.
“We have a duty of care to ensure all safety standards are being met for those residents and have received support from external agencies on this issue.”
Council has advised residents of the Notice to Fix and recommended they seek alternative temporary accommodation from 8 October 2020 in case the building owner does not meet the deadline.
“We will do our best to keep all residents informed on whether the safety systems are compliant.”
Council is required by law to provide a reasonable timeframe for the owner to rectify the building and as a result have not immediately closed the building.
“However, should any residents feel unsafe to sleep in the building they have the right to relocate immediately until confirmation is received that the building safety systems do fully comply,” Mr Tong said.