THAT THE ROAD at St Martin’s, St Philip, is finally being completed must be the best Christmas and New Year’s gift, even if belatedly, for residents, business operators and those who must commute via that area.
It is a situation that has left many people angry and frustrated simply because no one seems to have taken their plight seriously. Well, thanks to the issue being consistently highlighted in the Nation newspapers, some action has been taken.
This situation ought to have been avoided and shows callousness on the part of both the contractors and the Ministry of Transport and Works. They acted in a high-handed manner, apparently ignoring the cries of those inconvenienced and suffering, both health-wise and financially. Part of what was required, but clearly lacking, was effective communication with them.
This is not the first time that we have had such incidents, but we can only hope that road builders and the ministry have finally recognized that the public demands and deserves better. People will no longer sit and suffer in silence.
It is imperative when these major roadworks are being undertaken that a component be built in for public communications. It is important that residents be kept informed and abreast of what is happening all along the way. The belief that improvements are being instituted and therefore those affected should be happy for what will be the end result will not find favour.
There are many people whose lives are not only disrupted, but also compromised; from asthmatics to those with sinusitis.
Then there is the inconvenience encountered in undertaking daily chores. Not to be forgotten is the various types of damage to vehicles.
The silence which has ensued for many months came across as being totally inconsiderate of the plight of those affected. The visit of Minister of Transport Michael Lashley and his entourage of senior officers to the affected areas on Wednesday – not only in St Martin’s, but to other affected areas in St Philip and Christ Church – seemed little more than pandering to the cameras and a public relations exercise.
All that was achieved by these officials on tour could have been accomplished in office by issuing the necessary instructions and having them executed.
In a society with a large fleet of public and private vehicles on its roads, an adequate and well maintained highway system is necessary. The Ministry of Transport and Works, if not building or maintaining the roads itself, must be a prudent regulator, ensuring that its contractors meet all the requirements, including quality work, within deadlines.
This will also require that utility companies do not unnecessarily hold up any projects. Timelines for the completion of all the major roadworks should be published.
The public wants neither excuses nor apologies for the threats to their health and their livelihoods. Minister Lashley deserves an “F” for this project at St Martin’s given the terrible hardships endured by so many for so long.
