Clyde dam ‘must proceed’

Press, 5 June 1982, Page 22

Clyde dam ‘must proceed’

PA Dunedin The Contractors' Federation has warned that politicians who oppose the planned Clyde dam could have the livelihoods of several hundred workers and families on their consciences. The Clyde power project and the high dam option had been part of National’s policy for at least two General Elections, said Mr W. A. Mills, the president of the association.

“That some National members of Parliament should at this late stage turn on that policy and threaten jobs of hundreds of workers, the economic security of their dependants, and the economy of Central Otago, is ridiculous." he said. "The Government was elected on the understanding that a high dam would be built at Clyde, and so let us get on and build it,” he said. The Labour Party’s attitude. in view of its commit-

ments to job • creation, was even more difficult to understand. He said that its opposition to special legislation amounted to "throwing its own members into dole queues." Failure of the special legislation would also force the Ministry of Works and Development to cut its hydro construction work force, be-

cause the workers would be idle for at least two years if the water rights issue went back to the courts. “That particular outcome would not seem to be in line with party policy, and would hardly be acceptable to the party's junior vice-president. Mr Dan Duggan, who is also secretary of the Workers' Union.” said Mr Mills.