A work programme that has employed beneficiaries to help clean up earthquake hit suburban streets in Christchurch has proved so popular it is likely to be extended.
The joint venture between the Ministry of Social Development, City Care and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority has employed 24 beneficiaries on a six month contract to clear abandoned properties in the residential red zones.
Since the programme began almost three months ago, it is estimated more than 1000 properties have been cleaned up.
Programme manager Wayne Campbell says City Care is working with the Ministry of Social Development to extend the programme, which is due to end in November.
He says City Care is also looking to give four of five of the workers full time jobs maintaining various green spaces around the city.
