The Cook Islands government should not spend any more money on Rarotonga's costly water system, says the Opposition.
Work on the Te Mato Vai water project in Rarotonga, Cook Islands Photo: Phillipa Webb / Cook Islands News
The Te Mato Vai system has cost New Zealand taxpayers tens of millions, China has given a huge concessional loan, and the Cook Islands has made a considerable contribution.
A Chinese company, CCECC, built the first stage of the system on which millions are being spent correcting faults.
The Opposition's William 'Smiley' Heather said the government was now seeking another $NZ5 million ($USD3.2m).
"Why should we agree to another $5 million when already they spent what was supposed to be spent on this project. We shouldn't be paying the Chinese because of their incompetence.
"That $17 million that we are going to pay for the leaks and that - we shouldn't be paying the Chinese interest for their $20 mill' [concessional loan]."
Mr Heather said the Cook Islands could not afford to waste another cent on a project that should had been completed two years ago.
RNZ Pacific is yet to receieve a response from Cook Islands Deputy Prime Minister Mark Brown.