TELSTRA has yet to restart the remediation of pits in Ballarat to make way for the National Broadband Network, after the process was stopped in May due to asbestos fears.
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The telco giant resumed the replacement and repair of pits associated with essential services last week, however that does not include NBN work.
Telstra ordered a stop-work on the remediation of pits in May after revelations of the improper disposal and handling of asbestos material by some contractors.
Telstra spokesman James Howe said the removal of pits associated with essential services would be conducted by licensed removalists.
With the stop-work still in place some sub-contractors are beginning to feel the pinch.
The Courier understands sub-contractors working on the NBN rollout are struggling with financial issues while they wait for work to resume.
Mr Howe said the remediation work would be limited to instances of cable-cuts leading to outages, loss of basic services and emergency and medical priority assistance customers.
“There is no date yet announced for the resumption of broader remediation works as we continue to focus on improvements to our training of staff and contractors as well as other important requirements,” he said.
“The issue of safety remains our priority and, although we have started the process, until this is assured we will not resume remediation work.”
It is unclear what effect the stop-work will have on the rollout targets for NBN, with Ballarat slated to have fibre connections available in the coming months.
An NBN Co spokesperson said it was being investigated what effect the halt was having on the NBN rollout.
Telstra has committed to an audit of its operations and beefing up the safety training of its sub-contractors carrying out asbestos-related work.
