Guy dismayed at threats to Kapiti Expressway
Otaki MP Nathan Guy says people will be appalled that opposition parties are still threatening to scrap the Kapiti Expressway.
“The last thing the Kapiti Expressway needs is for the bulldozers to be halted while Labour does a so-called re-evaluation of the Expressway," says Mr Guy.
Guy’s concerns follow Labour’s transport policy announcement today <August 24> that it would ‘re-evaluate’ the Kapiti Expressway – this despite the $630 million project already well under way, with more than 400 people employed.
“Locals that I talk to are blown away by the speed by which the project is progressing and this will all be put at risk by a future Labour Government that has always hated the expressway.”
Only months ago Labour’s then transport spokeswomen Darien Fenton was quoted in the Dominion Post saying the party would stop the expressway if elected.
Even Labour leader David Cunliffe has been quoted as saying “the new Roads of National Significance risks wasting billions of dollars. The project [which includes the Kapiti Expressway] should be halted.”
Guy says it is also worrying that Labour’s policy will impact on another project National wants to get started, Transmission Gully.
“It looks like Transmission Gully will be delayed as Labour dithers on how it will fund this vital road," says Mr Guy.
“There is strong local support for these projects demonstrated in both local and national elections.
“With the Green Party also promising to scrap the Expressway, local voters now face a stark choice if they want efficient, safe roads and jobs for the region.
“Only a vote for National will ensure progress on the Expressway and that Transmission Gully will get started,” says Mr Guy.
Guy’s concerns follow Labour’s transport policy announcement today <August 24> that it would ‘re-evaluate’ the Kapiti Expressway – this despite the $630 million project already well under way, with more than 400 people employed.
“Locals that I talk to are blown away by the speed by which the project is progressing and this will all be put at risk by a future Labour Government that has always hated the expressway.”
Only months ago Labour’s then transport spokeswomen Darien Fenton was quoted in the Dominion Post saying the party would stop the expressway if elected.
Even Labour leader David Cunliffe has been quoted as saying “the new Roads of National Significance risks wasting billions of dollars. The project [which includes the Kapiti Expressway] should be halted.”
Guy says it is also worrying that Labour’s policy will impact on another project National wants to get started, Transmission Gully.
“It looks like Transmission Gully will be delayed as Labour dithers on how it will fund this vital road," says Mr Guy.
“There is strong local support for these projects demonstrated in both local and national elections.
“With the Green Party also promising to scrap the Expressway, local voters now face a stark choice if they want efficient, safe roads and jobs for the region.
“Only a vote for National will ensure progress on the Expressway and that Transmission Gully will get started,” says Mr Guy.