Work begins on bridge in Seville Heights
WORK HAS commenced on a bridge in Seville Heights, St Ann, which had experienced a major breakaway causing disruption in the community.
The work is being undertaken at a cost of $7 million, with funding provided for through the Equalization Fund.
Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie visited the location last Thursday. He was joined by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda; Deputy mayor of St Ann’s Bay and councillor for the St Ann’s Bay Division, Dallas Dickenson, and other agency representatives and stakeholders.
McKenzie told journalists that the breakaway had l ed to substantial dislocation for residents in the area, prompting the intervention of the ministry.
He also informed of breakaways affecting other areas within the parish.
“We have been responding and, while we can’t respond to all at the same time, a significant portion of those breakaways have been attended to or have been completed,” McKenzie stated.
“It is part of t he overall infrastructure work that we are undertaking in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, through the respective municipal corporations,” he added.
While commending the technical team at the St Ann Municipal Corporation and the ministry for their efforts, McKenzie acknowledged the patience of residents, assuring them that steps were being taken to address the infrastructure challenges.
He McKenzie hinted at a forthcoming infrastructure programme, which, he said, will be one of the largest single investments in roads, involving both the National Works Agency (NWA) and local government.
“This is a comprehensive approach by the government, and I want to urge residents in St Ann and across the country to be patient. The steps are being taken and we are moving in the right direction,” he stated.
Samuda highlighted the impact that the breakaway had on communities, causing dislocation and affecting productivity. Dickenson expressed gratitude on behalf of Seville Heights residents, recognising the overdue nature of the project.
McKenzie also conducted a tour of a rehabilitated bridge in Lime Hall within the parish.