Michelle-Ann Letman, Staff Reporter

The Bog Walk gorge a week ago, after it was destroyed by Tropical Storm Gustav. - Norman Grindley/Acting Photography Editor

The Government says it will not be held responsible for the fate of any motorist who decides to brave the Bog Walk gorge in St Catherine.

According to Reginald Allen, communications manager for the Ministry of Transport and Works, though passable, the route has been closed as a result of the roadway being destroyed during the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav, a little over a week ago.

"If anything should happen to any motorists, the Government cannot be held responsible, because the gorge is closed to traffic," Allen said. "Only authorised persons should be using the road."

Allen, confirming that he has received several reports that motorists have been using the gorge, said the issue would be investigated and some focus given to constraining the problem.

Several persons have also claimed to have witnessed men taking money from motorists seeking to travel through the gorge; however, Allen said he was not aware of this.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Les Green told The Gleaner that policemen would be deployed to the gorge to prevent all forms of extortion.

Green said police personnel have been on location, but more were needed.

"The police officers will be out there to ensure that the work gets on without any intimidation and that there is no form of extortion," he said.

Using the gorge

The road is being repaired by private French contractors Bouygues Trauveaux, who constructed Highway 2000.

The issue of motorists using the gorge when it is closed to construction is something Allen said the ministry has had to face whenever there has been major damage to the roadway.

The alternative routes, Sligoville and Barry, are generally longer and motorists, therefore, prefer to risk using the gorge, even when it is under construction.

"It is unsafe because work is being done on the road and all sorts of hazardous activities are taking place," Allen warned.

michelle-ann.letman@gleanerjm.com