NEWS RELEASE

2 March 2001

The work will soon be completed – take heart

If you are wondering why so many footpaths and roads are being dug up, then take heart. It is because Auckland City is doing more work and spending the money raised when rates were increased two years ago to fund depreciation.

The footpath programme is ahead of schedule, with all the major upgrades due to be completed by April. Although this is causing some disruption, it is a sign that rates money is being spent where the Council said it would spend it, says Councillor Kay McKelvie, chairperson of the Finance and Property Committee.

"It is essential, if a city is to flourish, that all local authorities fulfil their obligations to future citizens by putting aside money to ensure the maintenance of a city's vital infrastructure", she says.

"The charging of depreciation, which means accounting for the decline in the Council's assets due to operational use, is new in a local authority and while that allows us to catch up with the maintenance and renewal of some of our assets, we also have to invest in new works that will allow us to keep up with the predicted population growth.

MORE
Page Two

"We have invested $95 million in new works and $53 million in renewing and upgrading existing assets, such as footpaths, roads and stormwater systems, indicating the strong commitment this Council has to do what Councils should be doing - improving the city's basic infrastructure”.

Councillor McKelvie says that next year Auckland City plans to invest a further $22 million in stormwater improvements, $42 million in roading and $11 million in parks and street environments without increasing rates.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Councillor Kay McKelvie, tel: 846 7076 or 025 279 6448.

© Scoop Media