WELLINGTON, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Both ministers of civil defence and education on Wednesday announced additional financial support for earthquake recovery efforts in Kaikoura of New Zealand, which was struck by a 7.8-magnitude quake last November.
Minister of Civil Defense Nathan Guy announced additional support of 14.4 million NZ dollars (10.36 million U.S. dollars) to help repair essential infrastructure in Kaikoura, once a popular tourist coastal town famous for whale watching.
"The region suffered around 20 million NZ dollars (14.39 million U.S. dollars) of damage to assets such as water pipes and bore holes after the earthquake," Guy said in a release, adding that the government will pay its share of 60 percent of repair costs upfront by providing cash advances of up to 12 million NZ dollars (8.6 million U.S. dollars).
"On top of this, another 2.4 million NZ dollars (1.7 million U.S. dollars) has been set aside to help the local council upgrade damaged infrastructure, rather than just replacing or repairing it," he said, adding that the funding helps them to take into account the changing needs of the community, the growing economy and the ongoing seismic risks.
"This support package will help future proof the vital infrastructure that the local communities depend on," Guy said.
Education Minister Nikki Kaye said that more funding is being made available to support education in areas affected by last year's quake.
The new funding comes on top of 645,000 NZ dollars (464,206.5 U.S. dollars) that has already been committed, bringing the total funding to support teachers, principals and staff in the area's 40 schools and early childhood centers to 1.5 million NZ dollars (1.08 million U.S. dollars), she said.
"There's a focus on not only ensuring there are enough staff in the area for the number of students, but also on staff wellbeing," Kaye said, adding that teachers and other school staff need to be well equipped to provide the ongoing support students and the wider community need.
