Proceed with caution: The severely eroded surface on the Wag Water Bridge in Agualta Vale, St. Mary, that runs over the Wag Water River makes the trek across the bridge a bumpy ride. - FILE
THE NATIONAL Works Agency (NWA) says over the next few weeks repair work will begin on some roads in St. Mary.
This is according to the agency's communications manager, Stephen Shaw, who was responding to The Gleaner's new feature, Tyrone's Watch, which is designed to take on issues in communities across the island on behalf of residents.
Mr. Shaw said that at least one of the roads highlighted in the two-page feature yesterday was ordered closed late last year because of its poor state.
"The NWA continues its work to make a meaningful difference in the lives of all Jamaicans. The parish of St. Mary, despite the very challenging sub-surface, has benefited from our efforts," Mr. Shaw said in his letter.
THE FOLLOWING IS MR. SHAW'S EDITED LETTER:
I write to respond to your two-page feature on St. Mary in Tuesday's issue of your newspaper. A picture of the collapsed White Hall main road was published, showing a woman attempting to manoeuvre what was the roadway, which has been officially closed since November 2005. The NWA recognised the inherent dangers in this area, following the massive collapse that took place at White Hall, hence the closing of the roadway and the creation of a temporary road in the same general area.
On the matter of the bridge at Aqualta Vale, the NWA has been working with our contractor E. Pihl and Son, to effect repairs to the roadway between Ocho Rios and Port Antonio, which forms Segment Three of the highway project. It is a fact that the roadway between Port Maria and Annotto Bay, including the surface of the bridge at Aqualta Vale is in a deplorable condition. What is also a fact is that the contractor is on the road presently, carrying out remedial work, as part of the agreement. The permanent solution will come through the $8 billion contract, signed last October.
The work to construct a retaining wall on the Highgate to Port Maria main road was completed some three weeks ago. The NWA's first approach was to have the retaining wall constructed, thereafter effect repairs to the roadway, which had collapsed. Having completed the retaining wall, plans for the roadwork are now being finalised.
WORK IN A FEW WEEKS
The NWA continues its work to make a meaningful difference in the lives of all Jamaicans. The parish of St. Mary, despite the very challenging sub-surface has benefited from our efforts. Through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) programme for example we are spending nearly $450 million on road repairs.
We have spent millions more through other programmes, including the National Road Improvement Programme, and the IDB Flood Damage Programme.
Within the next few weeks work should start on the Lambkin Hill to Union Hill, as well as the Lambkin Hill to Windsor Castle main roads. Several roadways were broken away last year, resulting from heavy rains, as well as, the three hurricanes. Contracts for some $21 millions have been awarded for the construction of retaining walls in the parish.
Additionally, we will soon be inviting tenders for the construction of bridges in the community of Fontabelle and for the river training work on the Pen Carr River.
The NWA is willing to share with your reporters and indeed with the rest of the country, information on our plans for their communities.
I am etc.,
Stephen Shaw
Manager, Communications
& Customer Services
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Tell us about problems in your community. We will visit and help to lobby for action. Write to: Tyrone Reid, the Gleaner Company Ltd., 7 North Street, P.O. Box 40, Kingston; Fax: 922-6223, Telephone: 922-3400 Ext. 6364 or Email: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com.
