Dear Editor, I note that the OPM is quoted in CI News (in the context of the PM's visit to China) that the "TMV project has transformed Rarotonga’s 100-year old water network, ensuring reliable access to clean and safe water for future generations."

That is a bare faced lie. Twelve years and $100,000,000 later and Rarotonga still does not have potable water and TMV regularly issue public statements to boil water.

The rationale of the entire project was to deliver potable water to all households. Instead we have blown $100,000,000 and still have to refill our water bottles at water stations around the island where water is UV treated. To try and dress the project up as successful is like putting lipstick on a pig.

To add insult to injury, we are expected to pay for water we cannot safely drink.

And let's not forget that all the Chinese pipes had to be ripped up and replaced due to faulty workmanship.

New Zealand taxpayers had to pony up to pay for those repairs because the then PM Henry Puna dismissed concerns made by whistle-blower John Batty who was then removed from the project at the behest of the Chinese.

The entire project has been a financial disaster up there with the Sheraton Hotel and will burden taxpayers for many years.

Taxpayers Mate.