nthbeach
August 29th, 2008, 09:31 AM
Chathams to get $20m infrastructure injection
By MICHAEL FOX - Stuff.co.nz | Friday, 29 August 2008
The Chatham Islands is set to get a much-needed financial boost from the Government to repair its ailing infrastructure.
The Government today agreed in principle to set up a $20 million Chatham Islands infrastructure fund to be used over five years from next July.
The main priorities of the fund were electricity generation and distribution, the repair of two of the islands main wharves, and the provision of a breakwater.
Annette King said she was delighted with the outcome as the Government had a responsibility to provide essential facilities for isolated communities.
"The Chathams are a unique part of New Zealand with challenges related to their small size and their distance from the mainland," she said.
Electricity on the Chathams was currently generated from diesel supplied from mainland New Zealand, which was becoming increasingly untenable due to soaring diesel prices.
The Government would work with groups from the Chathams to develop modern wind-generated technology to reduce the reliance on diesel-generated power.
The islands' wharves will also be upgraded as they are essential to the Islands economy.
By MICHAEL FOX - Stuff.co.nz | Friday, 29 August 2008
The Chatham Islands is set to get a much-needed financial boost from the Government to repair its ailing infrastructure.
The Government today agreed in principle to set up a $20 million Chatham Islands infrastructure fund to be used over five years from next July.
The main priorities of the fund were electricity generation and distribution, the repair of two of the islands main wharves, and the provision of a breakwater.
Annette King said she was delighted with the outcome as the Government had a responsibility to provide essential facilities for isolated communities.
"The Chathams are a unique part of New Zealand with challenges related to their small size and their distance from the mainland," she said.
Electricity on the Chathams was currently generated from diesel supplied from mainland New Zealand, which was becoming increasingly untenable due to soaring diesel prices.
The Government would work with groups from the Chathams to develop modern wind-generated technology to reduce the reliance on diesel-generated power.
The islands' wharves will also be upgraded as they are essential to the Islands economy.