'Lemon” v's 'Melon” Roads
I read with interest the letter of EK Mills on 25-Feb-2011.
My understanding of the current situation is this: -
1. NZTA are talking to TCC about taking over the toll road
2. NZTA have indicated that they will as long as it can be shown that it is 'viable” financially
3. Currently the level of debt stands at some $58 million (was $43 million when first built) and is rising each year because there is not enough tolls collected to pay the total interest adding on.
If there was no debt on Route K it would be 'viable”, NZTA would be happily then take it over.
The dilemma for TCC is to rid ratepayers of the road and the debt or at least most of it.
It would be completely inappropriate for NZTA/Government to shell out money to TCC or take over an excessive amount of debt and so burden all taxpayers of NZ with this 'Lemon”. Just so we are clear the Eastern Arterial is a project of the same nature, business plan content and destiny so perhaps that can be referred to as the 'Melon” Road, a Melon of course is a lot larger than a 'Lemon”.
Ian Stevenson, Tauranga.