Amidst incessant criticism and concerns about road conditions on the island-the executive of the National Council on Public Transportation (NCOPT) has reiterated its call for government to urgently undertake rehabilitation of road networks on the island.
The NCOPT also emphasised the need for stricter road regulations to deter reckless drivers.
Over the years, the NCOPT has complained about the deplorable conditions of roads that hamper the productivity of its drivers, while adding more ‘wear and tear’ to the expenses involved with their daily workload.
Minister for Infrastructure Stephenson King noted that undertaking road repairs is a common struggle for successive governments. He said whereas there has been some level of progress in some communities, nonetheless, tackling potholes is an ongoing process.
“This is not a sudden phenomenon …this is a perennial situation (that) every administration encounter and that is the problem regarding our road infrastructure,” declared King, during a recent online forum.
“It is not for failing to attempt to do anything …as in many communities we would be seeing (road repair) crews along the highways, byways and the primary secondary road network where attempts are being made to at least repair some of the nuances of the potholes that we are having,” he noted.
King said the ministry is committed to dealing with the ‘potholes’ matter and will be beefing up its operations.
“We have intensified our efforts by doubling up on the numbers …we have brought in a number of sub-contractors who are all over the country, in almost every constituency attempting to bring a measure of relief to the people of Saint Lucia,” the minister explained.
Disapproving of some of the criticisms levelled at the government, King said that despite some progress in the works being undertaken, the ministry remains committed to developing proper road infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the government is pressing on with ongoing repair works to the Choc Bridge which has been carried out over the past few weeks.
According to the ministry spokesperson, in an effort to speed up the works, the Choc Bridge was reduced to a single-lane traffic, last weekend, to complete works.
Paving of the road surface was undertaken, last Sunday, which involved the laying of the final layer of asphalt on the bridge.
Consequently, the Choc Bridge will be reduced to single lane traffic at different intervals.
As the works progress, motorists are urged to exercise caution when traversing the work site and to pay heed to the associated signs cautionary devices.
Motorists are also advised to utilize alternative routes where necessary to avoid delay.
In further developments, NCOPT President Godfrey Ferdinand is urging the government to administer stricter laws in its efforts to improve road safety.
He noted that it was important for motorists to adhere to road safety rules and regulations, which includes observing the speed limits, not to drink or be under the influence of drugs when driving, and to ensure that their vehicles are road-worthy.
Nonetheless, Ferdinand says, there are other components that need to be brought into play to effectively monitor motorists. He emphasized the need to provide brethalysers, speed guns, and other devices to help the police ensure driver compliance, in addition, to installing proper street lighting and signage.
The NCOPT president also called for more highway patrols.
Said Ferdinand: “As long as you leave people unattended or unsupervised, they will do what they are not supposed to do – not the majority, but they will cause accidents.”
Speaking to St Lucia Times online, Ferdinand argued that it was necessary to provide law enforcement officers with the requisite tools needed to effectively carry out their duties.
He feels that greater police presence on the roads would deter individuals from breaking the law.
The NCOPT official noted that there needs to be more regulatory intervention on the road for traffic offences.
He recalled that the NCOPT had been speaking of the need for speed guns, breathalysers, and other equipment for the police for the past fifteen years.
Said Ferdinand: “How much will it cost the authorities to buy speed guns and brethalysers? Do you know the number of individuals who have lost their lives because of drunk driving, persons injured because of drunk driving?”