MEMBER of Parliament for St. Michael South Central, Richard Sealy, has stressed the importance of alleviating the traffic gridlock along the busy Highway 6.
Speaking in the Lower Chamber on a resolution to compulsorily acquire a piece of land in Prince Road, Upper Collymore Rock, Sealy described it as perhaps one of the busiest highways on the island taking persons in and out of the City.
Stressing the importance of preserving the safety of the residents of not only his constituency, but of the neighbouring St. Michael South East, the Minister of Tourism highlighted the transformation of the demographics from predominantly residential to residential and commercial.
He noted that it has the largest Pentecostal church in Barbados, has a number of large accounting and international business firms as well as the new building of the Caribbean Examinations Council.
Sealy also pointed to the densely populated surrounding areas and alluded to the newly acquired BET building, saying more traffic can be expected in that area.
“That stretch is probably the busiest road in Barbados, of the seven highways. In terms of moving residents from Christ Church and St. Philip in and out of Bridgetown,” he said, stressing the need to put the appropriate planning in place.
He thanked the technical team, noting that the nearby roundabout in Wildey has improved the traffic situation, even though it inconvenienced residents initially.
Sealy said that he does not see the widening of the road as a practical option, particularly as it relates to land acquisition costs.
The Minister said with the roundabout, the appropriate crosswalks and sidewalks will allow for constituencies of St. Michael South East and St. Michael South Central to go about their businesses safely without being impacted negatively. (JH)
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