A tiny reference that tenders have been called for the first stage of the southern pipeline from Maleme Street to Memorial Park has stirred no apparent public interest.
The 2004, $19m estimated moved to $65m in 2006 and to $106m in 2009. An increase of 588% in five years. Is there any reason to expect similar cost explosions in the next five years? Any capable student could estimate a figure of $591m by 2014 if the same trend continues. Already the 2010 figure has come to pass.
The southern pipeline was intended to cater for growth in the south western suburbs. The peer review indicated a new treatment plant at Tauriko as a more practical option. In light of the proposed development in the Wairoa Valley, added to The Lakes, it seems totally irresponsible to proceed with the southern pipeline, when a new plant could be built at Tauriko for less than $20 million.
Potential candidates for the upcoming election would do well to do some serious fact finding.
Graham H Clarke, Tauranga.