SHREWSBURY, Westmoreland — The minister with oversight for the State agency that repairs the country’s roads has assured communities that need repairs done that they do not need to go through their elected Members of Parliament but can appeal directly to him.

Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Everald Warmington made the comments following a tour of the Gully Bridge on Wednesday. He was accompanied by the independent Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Central George Wright, who he praised for his diligence. Wright was elected on a JLP ticket but resigned from the party after a scandal.

“Let me say it again, that not only Members of Parliament can make representation to me. In the community, get a petition written to this member that you need help here and there. But there are some Members of Parliament who are not as diligent and as good as George. So, the community can write to me, send me a picture and say I want roads XY and Z fixed. As long as it is a NWA (National Works Agency) road, this minister can respond. You don’t need a Member of Parliament to do it. Okay, so this is my job. My duty to be a part of this caring Government for the people of Jamaica,” stated Warmington.

The Gully Bridge, which is to be replaced at a cost of $30.1 million, was among several roads toured by the minister. He said work is expected to start as soon as the procurement process is completed.

“The tender went out, it is now back and we are now waiting to complete the procurement processes so as to start this bridge,” Warmington said.

The minister said Wright is a consistent advocate who tries to get things done in his parish.

“I can tell you, sometimes he pressures you. He becomes disgusting and he never leaves you. I wish other MPs, particularly in Westmoreland, would advocate as him. Sometimes you disgust him, but he’s fighting for his people. He never eases up until when you say yes,” said Warmington.

For his part, Wright was grateful for the support he received for his constituency.

“Minister, I just want to say on behalf of myself and the people of Westmoreland, a big thank you, Sir, because several times taxis cannot traverse this area because of bad roads. And believe me, I feel so good. It tells me that I must continue to press on even though at times you say I am a bit greedy, but it is the condition of the constituency and I have to lobby on behalf of my constituents. You responded and that is what I love about you as you have responded favourably,” stated Wright.

The first project in the constituency was the Shrewsbury/Logwood road on which some $28 million was spent. Other completed projects include the Gooden’s River to Toll Gate at a cost of $20 million, Locust Tree to Bath Mountain at a cost of $20 million. Work was also completed on the Locust Tree to Bath Mountain road at a cost of $20 million and $43 million on the Welcome road.

Earlier on Wednesday, Warmington officially opened the Retrieve to Marchmount roadway in Western Jamaica which was rehabilitated at a cost of $75 million.

The minister said several other projects are slated for Westmoreland within this financial year.

Some $30 million is to be spent on the Gooden River to Glasgow road, $60 million on the Solas road and $20 million on Grant Street. A $6-million patching work is also to be carried out on the Maxfield to Barney road. A similar amount is also to be spent each on the Grange to Friendship, Hopeton to Aukendown and Stewie to Lambs River roads.

A total of $10 million is also slated to be spent on the Grange Hill and New Hope to Sheffield roads. In addition, $322 million is to be spent on the Whithorn to Darliston road which is being shared between Wright and the MP for Westmoreland Eastern, Daniel Lawrence

Warmington noted that the parish has been neglected for years, and the Government is currently working to correct that.

“Minister [without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Matthew] Samuda was here recently and he announced a water supply scheme for over $400 million for Westmoreland. So, I will say without any contradiction that Westmoreland is no longer abandoned. Westmoreland is now recognised and will be taken care of by this caring Government,” stated Warmington.

He was referring to the commissioning of the $475-million Whitehall water pumping station in Negril last week Thursday.