Motorists traveling the vital west coast road linking Castries to coastal communities are expressing growing frustration over the worsening road conditions, calling for immediate improvements. The road, which is currently undergoing rehabilitation by contractor NAMALCO, has become increasingly difficult to traverse, especially following weeks of heavy rainfall.
While the government has acknowledged citizens’ concerns, the pace of the rehabilitation project remains a contentious issue. Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire has assured the public that the administration is pressing the contractor to address the situation promptly.
Hilaire, addressing the outcry, attributed part of the delay to adverse weather conditions but emphasised the need for greater responsiveness from NAMALCO.
“We’ve had a lot of rain for the last couple of weeks, so the roads have deteriorated beyond expectation,” Hilaire said. “But we still need to take into account the welfare of commuters. As much as can be done must be done, and I believe we have said to NAMALCO that they need to do more to make sure commuters have an easier passage.”
Acknowledging that additional measures might increase costs for the contractor, Hilaire stressed the urgency of action. “It will cost them some money to make sure the road is more motorable, but they have to step up,” he added.
For many residents and commuters, the west coast road serves as a critical artery for travel and commerce. The deteriorating conditions have resulted in longer travel times, vehicle damage, and heightened safety concerns.
Motorists have voiced their frustrations, calling for temporary fixes to ease the daily strain while the larger rehabilitation project continues.
“The road is just unacceptable right now,” said one driver. “I understand construction takes time, but they need to at least patch the worst parts so we can drive safely.”
Hilaire revealed that Infrastructure Minister Stephenson King is expected to provide a detailed briefing to the government on the project’s status. This update will include the steps NAMALCO has taken to address the mounting concerns from commuters and what further actions will be demanded of the contractor.
The Deputy Prime Minister reassured citizens that the government is committed to ensuring their concerns are prioritised.
The west coast road has been a serious safety concern for over one year. It began, when one misfit had a brainwave to enhance the potholes by making miles of them rectangular and deeper. I saw workers doing that “work” with pickaxes. Mysteriously, they used red spray paint to outline some holes and abruptly left. These holes have been breaking axles since that time.
Did I tell you about the tourists that I have been seeing riding the back of those Land Rovers? They look like ghosts covered in road dust. This is no way to treat your visitors. It’s a lesson on how to lose your business.
Where’s King during this fiasco? Show me a manager who doesn’t go out to the field often, and I will show one who will fail.
Have a meeting with the company FIRST, then ensure the measures are put in place , THEN come to the media to reassure the public that their cries were heard and measures WERE put in place.
Everyone Concerns !
During a round trip, while approche a place called Dierre Bois in Augier vieux fort,I not even a donkey would walk on the roads,so I ask if there it a representative for,my answer was it is only when election is close the roads will be patch,especally at this time of the year the rep..is busy doing the work of santa Clown, while the people of Gais bois should be in banse la grâce eat all mr Welson Daniel pork and did not vote for him,and now murmuring and cannot be console of disapointement…
Let’s get this straight. There’s a contract and safety issues are addressed in there but are not enforced by the Consultant (GOSL’s Representative) which is FDL. FDL is squeezing CO Williams B*lls while they are in bed with Namalco.
Correction:
It began, when one misfit had a brainwave, to enhance the potholes by tracing them rectangular and deeper. I saw workers doing that “work” with pickaxes. Mysteriously, they used red spray paint to outline some of the holes and abruptly left.
Interesting nothing is said of how the contractor will be compensated for the potholing to be done. Should the contractor be the one to fix that road then have to fix it later on. The government needs step up by putting money where their mouth is. Stop blaming a contractor for work outside the scope of the project.
Always blaming contractors when sh hits the fan when they are people and consultants being made millions to ensure that the contactor complies to contract terms and conditions. Clearly Hilaire and even King do not understand this basic fact about contract law.
George the way you share your sentiments as if you are so verse in the laws of contract. can you clarify what is wrong with what Hilaire and king have said. I wish to hear your version as an expert in the with the laws of contract.