St Mary bridge needs fixing
Published:Friday | August 20, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Editor, Sir:
I would like to bring to your attention a pressing issue causing a great deal of concern - the archaic one-lane Westmoreland Bridge at Georgia in St Mary. This bridge, which spans the Wag Water River, has been out of service for a while, having been severely damaged by Hurricane Gustav in August 2008.
The closure of the bridge has resulted in untold hardships for the people who normally use it daily, including taxi drivers, children going to school, farmers, business people and the general public. Its closure affects people's lives and livelihood - whether commuting to Kingston, Highgate or other areas. For example, the alternative route to Annotto Bay Hospital, the parish's main medical facility, could be a matter of life or death for sick residents and may be difficult to reach in good time.
The authorities shouldn't have to wait for acts of civil disobedience, such as blocking of roads, to rectify the situation.
I would like to implore the authorities to replace the existing structure with a two-lane steel bridge as soon as possible, and ease the inconvenience that residents have been experiencing. I am sure everyone would be very appreciative and grateful for this.
I am, etc.
NOEL MITCHELL