Work to begin on Port Maria Hospital road next week
Published:Saturday | January 4, 2025 | 12:07 AMCarl Gilchrist/Gleaner Writer
Mayor of Port Maria Fitzroy Wilson has confirmed that work on the road leading to Port Maria Hospital in St Mary will commence next week after delays caused by prolonged rainfall.
The $12-million project, partly funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), was initially scheduled for completion late last year. However, inclement weather forced a postponement.
“The reason the project was delayed is due to the persistent rainfall,” Wilson explained to The Gleaner on Thursday.
“I had instructed that the work not begin under those conditions because I did not want substandard work to be done.”
Wilson emphasised that proceeding in adverse weather would have been a waste of taxpayers’ money.
“When you’re working with marl in persistent rain, you might achieve a good finish, but it wouldn’t be durable. We are entrusted to make decisions in the best interest of the people, even if it means facing pressure to proceed quickly,” he said.
With improved weather conditions, Wilson assured that work will begin no later than the coming week.
The mayor also praised the TEF for its prompt response to the municipality’s request for support.
The project involves complete resurfacing of the roadway from the main road to the hospital, as well as the road leading to the infirmary.
The news has been welcomed by those who frequently travel the route.
A nurse at the hospital described the current condition of the road as frustrating.
“You can’t avoid the potholes. As you swerve to miss one, you end up in another. This repair is much needed,” she said.
A taxi driver, dropping off a passenger last week, expressed similar sentiments.
“It’s about time this road gets fixed. The condition here, and even the road leading to Port Antonio Hospital in Portland is terrible and needs urgent attention,” he remarked.