Work to repair sections of State Highway 35 damaged during the severe weather event last week is being impeded by people stealing diesel intended for the machines needed to repair the road.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency National Journey Manager Helen Harris says people have been stealing diesel from contractors that is needed for work to repair the significantly damaged sections of road.
“Our contractors are working incredibly hard, putting in some long hours, to restore access to our East Coast communities as quickly as possible. It’s really disappointing that the selfish actions of a few are having a very real impact on how efficiently we can get this done.
‘People may not realise the significance of their actions to the wider repair programme, so we are pleading with people to leave our contractors’ resources, such as diesel, for their intended use – reconnecting Tairawhiti communities as quickly as possible.”
