THE National Works Agency (NWA) says last week’s flood rains have left a $651-million bill to effect repairs to the eroded and pothole-riddled road surfaces and blocked drains across the island.

In the meantime, Cabinet yesterday approved $300 million for immediate repairs along the major corridors, some of which were damaged by Hurricane Dean in August.

Stephen Shaw, communications manager at the NWA, said the estimate was submitted to the ministry and as such the agency was awaiting the necessary directives.

Shaw, who told the Observer last Friday that the island’s road network had been badly affected by the rains, said yesterday that the NWA had been able to reopen nearly 100 of those affected. He said the few that were yet to be reopened included the Yallahs Ford and a roadway in Kintyre, which were seriously damaged by rains.

Editor’s Note:

Effective today the Observer will be carrying a series of photographs highlighting damage to the road network across the island following last week’s heavy rains.