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The final cost of the controversial Waimea dam is $211 million, double the initial projection of $104.5 million, despite facing delays and controversy since work began in 2019. The project, beset by geological issues and Covid-19 pandemic disruptions, has been criticized for its cost overruns, with economist Peter Fraser highlighting the burden placed on ratepayers. Waimea Water chief executive Mike Scott defended the project, citing geotechnical challenges, pandemic impacts, construction delays, and inflation as factors contributing to the increased cost, while emphasizing the dam’s benefits for the region.
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