$218m to rehab three-mile Trelawny roadway

WESTERN BUREAU:

The three-mile stretch of roadway from Wakefield to Deeside is to get the lion’s share of a $342-million road repair project to be rolled out across sections of Northern Trelawny.

This was disclosed by Everald Warmington, government minister with responsibility for works, following a tour of roads in the parish on Tuesday.

“Several of these roads have been neglected over the years. An estimate to fix the roads as would be desirable would be some $800 million, but we do not have that amount of money,” Warmington said following the tour.

The main road from Wakefield to Deeside, which has provoked numerous demonstrations by residents over the years, is set to be the primary focus.

“The road between Wakefield and Deeside is to be repaired to the tune of $218 million,” Warmington revealed.

Contractor Oliver Warren, who is expected to undertake the project, explained the cost to The Gleaner.

“The condition of the road requires work outside the ordinary. To prevent flooding when it rains, the road will have to be lifted at least one metre in height. The base will have to be properly packed to ensure the surface lasts for years,” he said.

Among the other works to be undertaken are box culverts along the Perth Town to Falmouth roadway, where water crosses the road when it rains heavily. The Clark’s Town and Daniel Town areas, where there are similar problems, will also see such works.

In the Queen of Spain Valley, where the river crosses the road between Deeside and Dromily, substantial work is also slated to be done.

Trelawny Northern Member of Parliament Tova Hamilton, who was on the tour, was pleased with the plans.

“I am very very happy that he (Warmington) agreed to this tour. It is in response to me continuing to terrorise him on his need to have a look at the roads I have advocated for. I am very happy,” said Hamilton.

Jonathan Bartley, councillor of the Wakefield Division for the past 18 years, was equally happy.

“I can breathe a sigh of relief. For many years, I have been begging for attention to be given to the roads, and all I was given were excuses. Today, the minister has brought good news for the residents,” he said.

Robert Francis, regional manager for the National Works Agency, said that preparatory steps, including concluding the tender process, would have to be taken before a timeline is set for the start of the projects.