Questions over safety of Chain Hills tunnel
I HAVE seen a report on the feasibility of opening the Caversham tunnel for cycling that was done in 2012.
Significant hazards highlighted, aside from the obvious one of tunnel collapse, were dangers with existing old and brittle services running through the tunnel such as sewer lines, gas and electricity, hazards being explosions, gas emissions and fire.
Are there any such services running through the Chain Hills tunnel that has been mooted to be opening soon for cycling? If so, how does the DCC plan to eliminate or minimise these hazards? Would any prospective services be decommissioned?
If not, how will the public be protected? I am keen to take my kids through the tunnel if/when it does open, however, am anxious about the hazards. I would, therefore, be very interested to know how the DCC will address them. Nancy Robbie
Glenross [Dunedin City Council transport group manager Richard Saunders replies:
‘‘Early feasibility has identified a buried telecommunications cable and two buried sewer pipes dating back to the 1980s running through the Chain Hills tunnel. The project team will work through any potential hazards to make sure the tunnel is safe for the public to use. Once the tunnel is open, it will be monitored to make sure it remains safe.’’]
Brexit editorial
As a UK visitor, I applaud your editorial on Brexit (ODT, 18.12.18).
I cannot think of any UK election after which the losers would not have said that the exaggerations and obfuscations of the winners went beyond normal politics — so that is a dangerous reason for setting aside the result.
In fact, we need a second referendum to confirm and take forward the result of the first. If the EU was such an obviously good thing, 17.4 million Britons would not have voted to leave. The case for remaining is that, in or out, the EU matters to the UK and would be easier to change from inside.
I am sorry we voted to leave the EU but proud that we have invested so much to resolve a big question that others have dodged.
Hoping Her Majesty’s (UK) Government follows your advice.
Jan Karpinski Shepton Mallet, Somerset, UK
IT was quite disturbing to read the
ODT editorial ‘‘Second Brexit poll vital’’.
From a media that has been held in great esteem for upholding democracy, and the right to uphold the results of a democratic vote, that so many in the world died in defending.
It would now appear to support the abdication of democracy as we know it today, by advocating ‘‘despite the difficulties a second poll poses, that is what should occur’’. ‘‘ProBrexiters blatantly lied about the EU, made totally unrealistic promises.’’ Sounds familiar to our last elections.
The editorial finishes off with, ‘‘give the British people the chance to reverse their mistake’’. The ODT was not so forthcoming at our last elections in advocating for the people to have the chance to reverse their mistake, when a party of 7% was able to dictate who would govern the country. We have to live with our mistakes, but all will be forgiven, as I am prepared to give the ODT a chance to reverse its mistake. Brian Miller
East Taieri
Waterfront vision
IT’S a shame the status quo mentioned in Sue Bidrose’s letter (ODT, 20.12.18) doesn’t refer to the whole waterfront vision and not just parts of it.
The ‘‘status quo’’ would be better until we get some new councillors.
The vision Sue Bidrose mentioned, and the wide public support for it, is debatable.
The public will want great things on the waterfront for sure, but not at the crazy cost of this project.
As chief executive, thoughts of affordability to the public should be of more concern. B.J. McLachlan
Dunedin ....................................
BIBLE READING: ‘‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on hearth peace among those he favours.’’ — Luke 2:14.