THE temporary bypass road built to connect Manzanilla to Sangre Grande is again in need of repair.
Member of Parliament for Mayaro Rushton Paray is suggesting that the Ministry of Works and Transport use a petroleum-based binder to repair the road or provide a clear explanation as to why it was not being done.
It was also crucial for the ministry to install adequate lighting and safety measures along the road to prevent serious car accidents and potential fatalities, Paray said on Friday following a protest by taxi drivers who ply that route.
He said, “The temporary bypass road has become hazardous for motorists due to numerous sinks and uneven surfaces and overall dangerous conditions, particularly during nighttime. Recently, a vehicle overturned off the road due to the absence of reflective guides and inadequate lighting is some parts. The absence of a petroleum-based binder on the road’s surface has made it vulnerable to continuous deterioration.”
Paray said any accidents, injuries, or damages suffered drivers and commuters would be the responsibility of the Ministry of Works and Transport, should they fail to address the urgent concerns.
More money spent on vehicle repair
From 5 am on Friday morning, a group of taxi-drivers placarded the Mayaro junction in protest of the road.
They continued throughout the morning with the hope that their concerns be met.
President of the Mayaro/Sangre Grande Taxi Association Joel Lezama told AZP News, the additional expenses paid for regular vehicle maintenance was killing their finances.
“Some of us, we are still owing banks, we are still owing people. We have our children to send to school, our families to feed. When we have to pull out money for parts, it is not easy. Yes parts would need to change every now and then but not so often,” he said.
Lezama said the taxi drivers appreciated in the earlies, the meetings and discussions held with Minister of Works and Tranpsort Rohan Sinanan when the road collapsed last November.
He said, “From day one, we were contended with the fixtures. We understand the severity of the situation and we understand that not everything will be able to be fixed in one day.”
Additionally, from the temporary road being built, the Ministry of Works did additional work to maintain the road on more than one occasion.
However, in the past few months, the road has been deteriorating without any rehabilitation, Lezama said.
The 40-plus taxi drivers who ply the route are hoping that the Ministry of Works continue maintaining the road in a timely manner until a more permanent solution could be installed.
High Priority Road
Minister in the Ministry of Works and Transport Richie Sookhai told AZP News that the ministry understood the concerns.
He assured, “The road will be attended to. It is a high priority for the ministry. Everything is being put in place to provide a more sustainable solution.”
Given the sensitivity of the road’s location as it relates to the Nariva Swamp, Sookhai said discussions were being held with all stakeholders involved including the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and others.
