By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE Ministry of Works and Transport is forking out millions to deal with coastal erosion as an ongoing project says Minister in the Ministry Richie Sookhai.
He said on Monday, “The Ministry of Works continues significant work for the coastal protection especially with the critical work that is being going on.”
Sookhai was answering an urgent question asked by Oropouche West Member of Parliament Davendranath Tancoo in Parliament regarding reports circulating depicting approximately 750 feet of road reserve collapsing along the seaward side of the Mosquito Creek in La Romaine.
Sookhai responded that while the ministry was not aware of the particular situation raised by Tancoo, to date, 22 contracts totalling more than $262 million were awarded to deal with coastal erosion.
“The programme is focused on the vulnerable coastal work and we are looking also at the tidal issues, the erosion situation and the urgent suitability to protect our valuable coastline,” Sookhai said.
Through the efforts of the National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO), the roadway along the Mosquito Creek in La Romaine was being treated with high priority he added.
Sookhai said there was a current proposal put forward by NIDCO that was currently being reviewed and other viable options were being explored.
However, Tancoo criticised Sookhai for saying the ministry was not aware of that particular situation.
Sookhai repeated that Government was working to deal with coastal erosion and that if Tancoo had key information to assist, he can provide it to the ministry.
Opposition focuses on landslides
Member of Parliament for Princes Town Barry Padarath also had questions relating to major landslides in his constituency which were asked in the Questions for Oral Answer segment and directed to the Minister of Works and Transport.
When Deputy Speaker Esmond Forde said, “Minister in the Ministry of Works and Transport…”
Leader of Government Business Camille Robinson-Regis stood up and said, “I will be answering these questions.”
Padarath noted that they were not being answered by Sookhai who was present in the Chamber.
Robinson-Regis provided detailed information on a landslide along the Naparima Mayaro Road in the vicinity of Fairfield Junction Craignish.
She said the completion date was December 2023.
Breaking down the allocations for the project, it totalled to just over $12, 570,000 with Value Added Tax (VAT).
Also along that road, seven contracts have been awarded for road repair, three were completed Robinson-Regis informed the House.
She said landslips along the St. Julien Road will be addressed by the Ministry of Works and Transport on a phased basis.
