31 Aug 2009

Kapiti council sacks roading consultant

3:43 pm on 31 August 2009

The Kapiti Coast District Council has sacked its roading consultant over what the mayor believes is a conflict of interest.

Jenny Rowan says she is becoming increasingly frustrated over the Government's plans for roading in her region, just as the council finalises its arguments in support of a western bypass route.

The Government has presented two alternative options, which involve upgrading State Highway 1 instead, after a recommendation by Opus Consultants.

Ms Rowan says Opus has worked for the council for a decade and should not have been working for it and the Government at the same time.

She says the council will still receive technical information from Opus, but has engaged other consultants to advise it on whether to back either of the Government's plans.