NWA boss’ absence disrupts discussions on road expansion in Portmore
Published:Thursday | March 21, 2024 | 12:11 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
The absence of E. G. Hunter, the National Works Agency (NWA) boss, at a crucial St Catherine Municipal Corporation physical-planning meeting on Tuesday has halted discussions on the much-needed expansion of Municipal Boulevard and Grange Lane in Portmore.
The meeting, intended to address concerns over traffic congestion stemming from the Greater Bernard Lodge development expansion, was rendered ineffective without Hunter's presence.
Arrangements for Hunter's attendance were made prior to the local government election, underscoring the significance of the meeting. The objective was to obtain assurances from both the NWA and the Sugar Company of Jamaica Holdings Ltd (SCJ H) regarding the upgrade of Municipal Boulevard and Grange Lane, vital thoroughfares linking traffic from Portmore to Mandela Highway.
Joseph Shoucair, SCJ managing director and promoter of the Greater Bernard Lodge development, assured attendees that preparations were under way, with Grange Lane set to be transformed into a four-lane corridor.
“In December of last year, Municipal Boulevard and Grange Lane were added to the schedule of main roads, putting them under the management of the NWA, to prepare for the expansion,” Shoucair told the councillors.
He added: “The plan is to transform Grange Lane and Municipal Boulevard into four lane corridors, two lanes either way with medians.”
According to Shoucair, the designs are being prepared, and as soon as they are completed, work will begin this year.
But despite his assurances, councillors insisted on Hunter's presence to address their concerns formally.
Waterford councillor, Fenley Douglas, emphasised the need for written assurances from the NWA, expressing frustration over what they perceived as a lack of commitment.
“If the relevant agency is not here to give us assurances in writing that our concerns, which are legitimate, will be addressed, there is no need to continue this meeting,” Douglas said, advancing a position that got the support of his colleagues.
SLAP IN THE FACE
He continued: “Once again, this is a slap in the face of the people of Portmore who will have to deal with the traffic congestion when all the developments are completed. We need Mr Hunter to provide these assurances.”
Portmore Mayor Leon Thomas voiced strong objections to the proposed plan, highlighting the severe impact on Portmore due to increased traffic. He demanded completion of arterial roads linking to the development before releasing any titles for new homes.
“The magnitude of traffic congestion from these developments will impact Portmore in a negative way, and I am strongly objecting to this. The roads must be improved. The arterial roads that link Grange Lane to the developments must be upgraded,” Thomas stressed.
“I am seeking the support of the St Catherine Municipal Corporation that no titles be distributed before the road development takes place,” he insisted.
Spanish Town Mayor Norman Scott echoed these sentiments, emphasising the need for proper infrastructure and signalling that no titles would be released until critical road improvements were made.
“I am making it unequivocally clear that no titles will be released unless work to dualise and construct a flyover, in addition to appropriate traffic signals, are put in place,” Scott argued.
He emphasised the municipality's readiness to support development that does not disrupt the area.
“I want developers to know that we are not anti-development, but we have a responsibility to ensure that no chaos is experienced by citizens when developments are taking place,” Scott noted.
The absence of Hunter left stakeholders feeling disregarded and concerned about the lack of progress in addressing pressing infrastructure needs. The councillors' motion to discontinue the meeting underscored the frustration felt by them.