Time to borrow

In my ninth year as a Far North District councillor, the complaints that I have been involved in have been metal roads, problems involving poor water tables, potholes, mud, corrugations and dust.

Roads that belong to the FNDC. The NZ Transport Agency is not interested in new sealing, so the onus is on the FNDC.

There are alternatives: dust suppression — not cheap and lasts up to three months; waste oil — Very effective and one that I encourage.

However, environmental standards are against this.

The only solution, in particular for the heavily residential roads, is to seal.

The FNDC needs to take a bold and positive step and just do that now. How? Borrow the money.

In 2011 council debt was at $126 million. Now it’s below $50 million. Financially it is sitting pretty. I am aware rates will go up, but the saving of continually maintaining metal roads will be huge. It’s all about common sense and getting our thirdworld roads — particularly in the Hokianga and the very Far North — up to scratch.

So to Frank Mueller, I sympathise with you regarding the horrendous condition of Quarry Road. I also reside on a 4.8km metal road (Spains/ Sweetwater), where 34 residents live. Yes, it is dangerous and unhealthy. CR MATE RADICH

Sweetwater