Editor,
The Employers Chamber of Commerce indicated in their submission, to the consultation of the proposed expressway, what we all know – there are some limited transport issues in the Kāpiti district which occur at certain times on certain days and relevant improvements will enable goods and services to be moved more efficiently.
However, I am surprised that they are supporting the current proposed expressway which has a low return and the benefits for this region are not know, not understood or do not exist. Unemployment is a problem on the coast and there is no specific benefits for local firms to create employment on the coast from this initiative.
The Kāpiti Chamber of Commerce indicate that ‘.. the district’s character and lifestyle were key reasons for business to start, remain or move to the district.’. The proposed expressway will destroy the very thing they came here for (even with our current problems).
The business people of the Kāpiti Coast are sensible and fully aware of the need to ensure each dollar is spent wisely and a decent return is made for our capital investment. Would you build it if it was your money?
If the both chambers are serious about fixing the relatively small transport issue on the Kāpiti coast, they would be pushing for the immediate start of the underpass at Waikanae to alleviate this bottleneck (which will have to be undertaken in the future but which local ratepayers will be required to pay for rather than central government) and the resumption of building the local 2 lane Western Link road.
Marten Kooij
Waikanae
