NZTA Must Purchase Properties of those Living Next to Hell

Press Statement by Cr K Gurunathan August 31 2015

I urge Crown Agency NZTA to seriously look into the purchase of about nine properties significantly affected by the construction of the Kapiti Expressway. Failing that there must be some intense mitigation measure to make it tolerable. Property owners who, for one reason or another, have not been able to present their case during the Board of Enquiry process are now feeling the full brunt of the construction. Their property values have plummeted and alongside the Expressway has become hell with little or no relieve in sight.

NZTA, the Alliance contractors, and KCDC are being notified of their plight through established formal channels like the Community Liaisons Group and Neighbourhood Impact Forums but these avenues have protocols that prevent them from alerting the public about the dire plight of these families.

As the local councillor I'm aware these nine property owners are amongst a larger group of impacted owners some of whom have been asked to sign confidentiality clauses that prevent them from making public statements in exchange for some mitigation measures. Even if the mitigation measures later prove inadequate. In one case, the construction hazards of dust, noise and mould was threatening the health of a child with hole-in-the-heart condition. Only the potential of media exposure ensured that action was taken.

The nine properties, some of the most exposed, are affected by noise, dust, and vibration during the construction stage and future problems once the Expressway is opened. They are located at the intersections with Raumati, Kapiti, and Mazengarb roads.

ENDS

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