Dear Editor,

I write in response to an article published in the June 28 edition of the Observer, “Riding on the back of Sherbourne Heights”. The article written by Ken Chaplin had some gross inaccuracies that the National Works Agency must correct, while informing the writer and the public at large.

The NWA, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, has since its inception been responsible for the maintenance of the main road network. Parochial/community roads are the purview of the local authorities. In the case of the road through Sherbourne Heights, it is the responsibility of the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation. The complaint regarding these roads should therefore be directed to that body.

The road from Stony Hill to Guava Gap forms part of the road section, Stony Hill to Parks Road. It is indeed true that a section of the corridor near Guava Gap is sometimes affected by landslides because of the geology of the area, which makes it susceptible to such phenomena. The NWA’s suggestion for use, whenever such an issue arises, is for people wishing to go beyond Guava Gap to use the route through Mannings Hill. We have never suggested that people use the routes indicated in the article.

It is not the practice of the NWA to direct traffic to community roads, and in this instance, Sherbourne Drive and Baden Powell roads, unless there is no alternative. This is because the agency has no responsibility or authority to repair community roads.

Regarding the matter of Old Stony Hill Road, the NWA has carried out work along the corridor. The road is therefore in a fair condition, for the most part. There is a small area that was not done in the recent works, owing to the amount of money at our disposal at the time. We are aware that there is a breakaway along this road. This occurred during the passage of Tropical Storm Nicole in September last year. Safety precautions have been put in place at this location and representation has been made for funding to effect the necessary repairs, which once granted will address this problem.

Patrick Wong

CEO, NWA

Kingston 10