He said the collapsed roadway appears to be the result of poor and shoddy construction and inadequate planning, which was highlighted by the Opposition and other stakeholders at several junctures during the project, but to no avail.

In addition to the collapse, the condition has caused major flooding along the damaged stretch of the road, displacing residents and causing damage to homes and properties.  Today, there are anxious residents from the affected communities who are now uncertain about the soundness of their dwellings as adverse weather conditions persist over the island and may continue for days to come.

“It is very unfortunate that this would occur at this time, given the tremendous sacrifices that these residents and businesses endured during the poorly managed heavy construction period, which resulted in the closure of many small businesses permanently, and without compensation. I share the pain of the affected persons and assure them that representation will be made to get redress for them,” the Opposition Leader stated.

Instances of mismanagement of the construction of Hagley Park roadway and some of the feeding artillery roads were highlighted during the construction period, and regrettably, the results are now there for all to see, as revealed by Tropical Storm Laura. 

The NWA needs to tell the residents when rehabilitation works will begin, and arrangements must be made to compensate the affected persons and businesses for the damage incurred.  Additionally, the country must be told how much the results of this mismanagement will cost taxpayers.

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