THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WRITE in response to the 'Letter of the Day' appearing in your newspaper on Monday, January 5, 2004, entitled, 'How not to build 10 miles of road' in which the writer identifies what he considers 'pebble dash' road construction.
Rehabilitation work on a section of the roadway between Lambkin Hill and Rio Nuevo commenced in August 2002. This road was initially slated for reconstruction under a Kuwait-funded programme. However, due to the urgency which we attached to the rehabilitation work it was placed under the National Road Improvement Programme (NARIP) which was operational at the time. The contract was awarded to Dwight's Construction, and preparatory work, including scarifications, began immediately.
Formation of the road was completed early last year and protective work started almost immediately after. Over 85 per cent of the base work was completed last February, while other works were on schedule. In March, the same sections of the roadway were primed for surfacing, which was done in August.
The truth is, we experienced many long delays between activities and this has inconvenienced many of our customers and stakeholders. Deterioration could have taken place during the period of delay. Furthermore, our efforts were hampered by the inclement weather, which set in at the time.
The roadway is presently over 80 per cent complete, with most of the reconstructed areas already surfaced. There are sections that are still under construction and would have been completed, but for the financial constraints being experienced by the contractor. Efforts are being made to correct this, so that the work can be completed without further deterioration of the roadway.
The Mount Angus Parish Council road leading from Dressikie to Mount Angus, distributed uncontrolled storm water on to the Union Hill to Lambkin Hill main road at Dressikie. This has caused severe scouring along the road surface that runs parallel to a paved drain. The estimated cost to effect repairs amounts to J$300,000.00. On January 6, 2004, the routine maintenance contractor was instructed to effect repairs immediately.
The National Works Agency remains committed to its mission to provide safe, reliable and quality roads.
I am, etc.,
V. GEORGE PALMER
Manager
Communication and Customer Services
National Works Agency
