By Sue-Ann Wayow
EQUIPMENT is being removed from the project site at the collapsed Manzanilla Mayaro Road due to security reasons and not because works are being demobilised.
The Ministry of Works and Transport issued a media release on Monday afternoon acknowledging the frustrations and concerns by some which resulted in protest action on Monday morning.
The ministry gave further details regarding the permanent works being undertaken.
The release stated that on July 28, works officially commenced on a permanent solution for the Manzanilla Mayaro Road.
To date, three of the five packages under Phase One of the project have been awarded and works are ongoing in maintenance of the roadway, clearing and grubbing of the area and stockpiling of material.
In the upcoming weeks, there will be continued maintenance of the road, preliminary works for the construction of a culvert crossing, excavation works to failed areas along the roadway and stockpiling of additional material.
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The ministry stated, “Regarding the removal of some equipment from the site, several contractors have expressed concerns as it relates to the safety and security of extremely expensive resources. As such, removing equipment is purely based on security concerns and measures, not demobilization.”
The extensive project scope considered the exigencies, uniqueness and environmental challenges associated with the site and include the following:
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The reconstruction of the collapsed road spanning approximately 1.6km within the 5km segment of roadway along the Manzanilla-Mayaro Road, including rehabilitation and upgrading of the existing 6m wide asphalt roadway
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Raising of the existing roadway over the 5km segment by approximately 450mm
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The installation of eight culverts at strategic locations along the road.
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Repairs to the existing culvert crossings.
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The installation of flap gates at the seaward end of each of the eight culverts to prevent the backflow of water from the sea during a storm surge event.
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The installation of 3m wide earthen drains to facilitate water flow from the wetland into the culverts.
The release stated, “The Ministry understands and acknowledges the concerns of Manzanilla Mayaro residents and advises that protest actions of such a nature will only serve to delay the implementation of this critical project.
“We remain open to dialogue with concerned residents in the community and will continue to focus our efforts on expediting this project to provide long-term relief to the commuting public.”
Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan further told AZP News that 10 kilometres of the road will also be repaired but priority will be given to the collapsed area where repair was needed most.
