Letter of the Day | Hazards on Southern Coastal Highway

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing to express my grave concerns about the dangerous conditions on the newly opened Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) between Harbour View and Bull Bay. This essential roadway has been plagued by loose debris, unfinished infrastructure, and poor maintenance, resulting in several deadly accidents that have not received adequate public attention.

The presence of small rocks, glass, and other debris along the roadside poses serious risks to drivers. These obstacles can lead to flat tyres, sudden braking, and unpredictable swerving – all of which increase the likelihood of collisions. Debris can also block critical drainage systems, causing flooding and further hazards.

Additionally, the roadway still has many unfinished elements, including missing manhole covers, unpaved surfaces over 1 metre deep, and a lack of proper traffic signals. These incomplete features create dangerous obstacles and blind spots for drivers, compounding the dangers posed by the debris.

Tragically, these issues have already contributed to several accidents along the Harbour View to Bull Bay corridor, including a recent fatal crash near Resthaven that claimed the life of a CMU student. While the causes of these incidents may not be widely known, I strongly suspect the debris and unfinished infrastructure are contributing factors.

The official opening of this SCHIP section was on February 6, yet there has been no visible effort to establish a proper maintenance plan or regularly clean the roadway. Without a comprehensive maintenance regime, these hazardous conditions will only worsen over time, putting more lives at risk.

The relevant authorities should urgently address this critical situation. Comprehensive road sweeping, drain clearing, and completion of all infrastructure must be prioritised to ensure the safety of the thousands of drivers who rely on this vital thoroughfare every day. The loss of life is unacceptable, and swift action is required before more tragedies occur.

A clear timeline and dedicated maintenance programme are urgently needed to ensure safety, proper upkeep, and landscaping – even before the full project is completed.

MONIQUE GRANT