A Geotechnical investigation is currently being carried out to determine the best way forward for the road at White Hill, St. Andrew.
That’s according to Minister of Transport and Works, Michael Lashley. He made the disclosure in a recent interview with The Barbados Advocate as he gave the assurance that the Government is determined to find a road solution for the area which suffered extensive land slippage in recent times making the road impassable. The Transport and Works Minister explained that Cabinet approved the testing and the contract for that work has already been awarded to a local company to execute.
While not divulging too many details about the work, the Minister did however indicate it will consist of drilling boreholes in the St. Andrew community. The Minister said being cognisant that White Hill rests in the unstable Scotland District, they thought it best to see how stable the area is before advancing.
“The work is already under way to find a sustainable solution. Based on the scientific evidence that will emerge from that geotechnical testing we will be able to decide which is the best course of action – whether to abandon the existing road, build a new access road into the area or whether we should execute repairs. My Ministry is looking forward to receiving the findings of that testing so we can bring relief to the residents,” he said.
Lashley’s comments came as he indicated that it is expected to take in the region of three to four weeks to complete that work “all things being equal”. However, he noted that given it is the rainy reason they recognise that the process may be delayed. He is nonetheless confident that within two to three months’ time they should have a concrete plan in place to address the road challenges in that rural community.
This latest work being facilitated by the Ministry of Transport and Works comes in the wake of the steps taken last December to put in a temporary roadway to allow persons to be able to access the community. Sections of that temporary road also collapsed a few months ago following heavy rain. (JRT)
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