Safe passage at last
DIRECTOR of Communications at the National Works Agency (NWA) Stephen Shaw says road works in the Rio Grande Valley in Portland and the construction of two bridges are ahead of schedule and will assist in the economic development of the communities.
He and technical officers from the works agency were touring the area recently to view the work in progress.
Shaw, who later spoke to the Jamaica Observer North East noted that the type of work which has been done on the road from Fellowship to Moore Town and the bridges is a part of the major infrastructure development programme of which the Rio Grande Valley is benefiting.
“Significant progress has been made on the road for the over eight kilometres we have completed; all the base work, the road has been oiled and waiting on the completion of the side drains. As soon as the drainage has been completed we are going to do the paving with asphalt,” he said.
This, Shaw said, is expected to be completed by Christmas.
“They will have a brand new road to travel on,” he said.
Work on the new bridges at Lime Bush River and Jacob’s River started in September and these are expected to be completed by the end of this month.
“The work here in the valley will help the economic development of the area. The two bridges cost $24 million in total and the road work $140 million,” Shaw pointed out.
The two bridges are in the Millbank area on route to Bowden Pen near the Portland and St Thomas border where eco-tourism and farming of dasheen, ginger, yam, coco, plantain, and bananas are common.
One farmer Edward White said “the bridge is important as it helps us to get our farm produce out and vehicles can come up in this part of the parish”.
The Jacob’s River bridge gave way some years ago and has since affected vehicular traffic with residents being forced to walk in the river bed to gain access to the community.
–Everard Owen