I refer to the letter regarding public concerns over the ring road (more of a horseshoe road really) which is being promoted as part of the development of the old Sheraton site.

The response from the Director of the National Environment Service appears to explain that the developers have been asked to provide an EIA (environmental impact assessment) but that it has not been supplied even though the work has already started.

An EIA must be provided for public input.

The NES response also indicates that the proposed “ring road” does not require an EIA report but must comply with environmental regulations?

A) Why not an EIA on the ring road and its probable negative effects on the community of Rarotonga?

It also will be built alongside a stream flowing to the lagoon. An environmental issue surely.

I reiterate, an EIA will allow public input into the road diversion plan. So an EIA will be important in this case.

I can see no earthly reason why a government department like ICI should be exempt from producing an EIA.

And the least ICI should do is provide one anyway!

Safety first

(Name and address supplied)