Dear Editor, I’m writing to express our annoyance and anger for some vendors and public about the fenced off area behind all the huts at the eastern end of the market in town.

CIIC (Cook Islands Investment Corporation) decided to dig up the road that provides access to service all the huts and then fenced off the previous very convenient parking area for customers to get to the cafes and food shops. Now, during this low season when vendors are trying to survive, local elderly customers can’t park close enough. So now they don’t come during the week

This is dumb planning by CIIC. Without considering the consequences of their actions or even coming down to chat to the vendors that open six days. They decided to cut off access for loading/deliveries to these vendors and also easier access for customers with a thought. Clearly, they have no idea of the day-to-day operations and challenges these small businesses ensure.

Please ask CIIC when do they intend to start the building work? Our busy season is approaching and more and more people will be inconvenienced if this area isn’t developed quickly. 

Is this another white elephant?

Meitaki.

Fight for the People

(Name and address supplied)

Reply – Kia Orana and thank you for the opportunity to respond. CIIC apologises for the temporary inconvenience caused by its development works. Extensive consultation on these development works has taken place with vendors and the public, including most recently a well-attended vendor meeting held on Thursday the 8^th of February.

The benefits of the development works have been embraced by vendors and the public, who see the benefits of this large project for the nation, and its people.

These works have been designed to minimise as much as possible disruption to the day-to-day business of the market. CIIC has tried to minimise the inconveniences.

A temporary accessway has been created through the middle of the cordoned off area until that construction area is required.

It is expected that construction will start in the coming weeks once contract matters are finalised with contractors.

Allan Jensen

CEO, Cook Islands Investment Corporation