TWIZEL – TOWN THAT LIVES IN HOPE.

Press, 18 April 1981, Page 24

TWIZEL - TOWN THAT LIVES IN HOPE.

From the moment the first sod was turned in the programme to provide houses for the workers on the Upper Waitaki power scheme, a shadow has hung over the future of the town of Twizel.

Early it was made quite clear that although hundreds of houses would initially be required, by the time the project was •completed, in 1985, the Electricity Department would only have use for about 20 to 30 houses and that the rest would have to be disposed of, along: with the other buildings provided for the use of the community. The fate of the remainder has exercised the minds of many people in the 13 years that have elapsed and many proposals have been put forward in an attempt to retain the town as a viable unit. These have largely centred on its development as a tourist-cum-recreation centre, but it has been proposed as an army base camp, with one enterprising Australian proposing to buy it, lock, stock, and

barrel, oh a 90-day option, and selling the individual properties around the country as permanent retirement, or country homes.

So far, none of the arguments have ’ made the slightest impression on the planners, and the end of Twizel as a town appears to be just a matter of time. That is, to most people, but certainly not to many of the residents themselves.

For years, residents have banded to find some way of.keeping their homes, maintain their community and its services, and retain the spirit of cooperation and friendliness which has distinguished their efforts to fight for the continuance of the town they have grown to love.

As far as they are concerned, it is a question of while there is life there is hope . . . and while they wait to see the outcome, they are making the most of the town that was officially built to be abandoned.

Pictures by DAVID CHARTERS