State highways ‘third world’
Motorists and residents of State Highway 27 aren’t the only ones angered over the condition of state highways across the Matamata-Piako district.
Matamata-Piako District Council discussed the problem, regarding roadworks carried on State Highway 27 in Ngarua, at a meeting recently.
Those who live in the area, between Tatuanui and north of Matamata, were notified in February that as part of a $600 million national roading upgrade, more emphasis would be put on safety measures on many rural routes on the state highway network.
It was contested by State Highway 27 resident Laurie Belfield who believed that if safety was the priority, filling potholes, not temporarily but permanently, should be at the top of their list.
The topic caused heated discussion among councillors, who agreed New Zealand Transport Agency’s lack of work in the district was disappointing.
‘‘People see this and think it’s council,’’ said Morrinsville ward councillor Paul Cronin.
‘‘Having driven that piece of road consistently, we are not getting a fair deal. End of story.’’
He said general maintenance had improved but it was the structural features that were the real issue.
Matamata ward councillor Brian Hunter described some of the state highways around the district as ‘‘third world’’ and the issues needed to be dealt with.
‘‘I, along with others have been making this comment for a few years now. I think transit [NZTA] have lost the plot.
‘‘Around Matamata we have pot holes in three major roads leading out of town on state highways.
‘‘North between Waharoa and Tatuanui it’s disgraceful - it’s getting like a third world country, it really is.’’
Mayor Jan Barnes said the council had been vocal about its concerns, including asking NZTA to see the issues itself.
She wasn’t sure what else the council could do but wasn’t prepared to be silent about the issue.
NZTA said three areas of State Highway 27 were planned to be reconstructed over the next few weeks.
Two were in progress, north of Waharoa, and one was about to start.
Its inspectors looked for early signs of potholes but NZTA also encouraged people to report potholes to staff, by contacting 0800 44 44 49.