Shopkeepers seek compensation
Eastside Four Square owner Mazina Jalal is calling on the Porirua City Council for compensation after the Mungavin Ave upgrade caused her to lose $ 45,000 over the past three weeks.
‘‘ We normally make about $27,000 to $30,000 a week, but have made about $13,000 three weeks in a row, because there has been nowhere for customers to park,’’ she said.
‘‘Any compensation we can get would be good for us.’’
Council roading manager Geoff Marshall said the council would not consider paying compensation because the improvements would ultimately benefit Ranui shopkeepers.
‘‘The area is now more accessible and inviting,’’ he said. ‘‘ The car park numbers have vastly increased, and access from the playground and park across the road is safer.
‘‘These measures mean it’s more likely pedestrians and motorists will visit the shopping centre more, which will make up for business lost over the past three weeks.’’ The Mungavin Ave upgrade was a part of Ranui’s village plan to improve its shopping centre.
Marshall said the upgrade work was carried out following close consultation with the Ranui community.
However, other Ranui shopkeepers said they supported Jalal and wanted some consideration by the council.
Zayaz Kebabs Takeaway manager Mario Shlimon said the shop had lost about $2000 a week over the three weeks.
‘‘ Customers had nowhere to park and the noise was offputting,’’ he said.
‘‘I worked at Abrakebabra in Manners St when it became a busonly lane and we were given $30,000 compensation by Wellington City Council.
‘‘It would be nice if council gave us something back.’’
Porirua Pharmacy manager Paula Richardson said she was glad the work was over because the pharmacy’s customer count had been down.
Richardson said Porirua Pharmacy would not pursue council for compensation.