The Heads of the Valleys Road Enlargement Scheme

Part of 3. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 2:52 pm on 22 November 2017.

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Photo of Nick Ramsay Nick Ramsay Conservative 2:52, 22 November 2017

If I can just pick up on the last aspect of your answer there, Cabinet Secretary, on value, Adam Price focused very much on the overall cost of the scheme. I've had some experience recently within my constituency of the cost of the Clydach gorge part of the scheme, from Gilwern up to Brynmawr, and I attended a meeting of local residents and councillors who, though very supportive of the project in general and looking forward to the end goal where they have a fantastic new road, are concerned about—they described it as a slackness with the financial administration of the project.

The local impression is that road closures—sometimes necessary—are happening without the statutory notification that is required by law. Modifications are being made to the design of the scheme without the usual consultation process. One example is that an important flyover at Gilwern is behind schedule because of a water main issue that local people believe should have been sorted out a long time ago and is yet to be resolved.

Cabinet Secretary, there's often slippage, particularly in road projects. We accept that and we accept the need for this project long term, but can you look at the financial oversight that the Welsh Government is applying to the Heads of the Valleys scheme, specifically the Clydach gorge part but the rest of the scheme as well, to make sure that you are achieving your aim of value for money? At the moment, the perception at least in my constituency locally is that there is slippage beyond what is acceptable and that value for money is not being achieved.