By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

The Ministry of Works yesterday said it has hired an extra 25 workers to man $400,000 worth of newly-acquired equipment that is “vital” to patching potholes and enhancing the road network.

Alfred Sears, minister of works and utilities, confirmed both the hirings and acquisition of vehicles, machinery and equipment from Machinery and Electric (M&E).

He said: “This is the first time in 20 years, I’m advised, that the ministry has gotten a large inventory of tools to deal with road repair, road redevelopment and, behind me, we have a 426 backhoe, a 375 air compressor as well as the skid steer and these are vital tools.

“In addition to the machinery you see behind me, we have also engaged 25 additional staff, young people who will have an opportunity to pursue a career in road construction. Approximately $400,000 was spent for the acquisition of the machines, and BPL would have spent another several hundred thousand for the machines acquired most recently.”

Mr Sears explained that the equipment will be used for road paving  as well as upcoming flood mitigation efforts. He said: “Some of these tools are vital for road redevelopment as well as road paving, as well as some of the flood mitigation materials that we will see shortly. They are necessary for ensuring that there is no ponding of water on our roads and in the communities of the country.”

Although the Ministry of Works will still rely on third-party contractors, the tools increase its capacity and will permit it to deal with emergency situations faster. “Currently, the ministry relies on a number of contractors but there needs to be the capacity within the ministry itself so that it can be more nimble, it can respond to emergency needs much more quickly and efficiently, as well as utilising the road contractors,” Mr Sears said.

He identified several major roads in New Providence that will undergo repaving in the House of Assembly last month. The minister added that the public will “soon see” a “marked improvement” in the safety and conditions of the island’s roads.

“I believe that the public will soon see a marked improvement in terms of safer and drivable roads,” Mr Sears added. “We will shortly commence the repaving of the following major arterial roads: South Beach Community Roads; Windsor Field Road; Bay Street between East Street and the Old Bridge; Eastern Road; Winton Highway; Woodland Way; East Street from Palm Tree Avenue to Robinson Road; East Street South; Tonique Darling Highway; Joe Farrington Road; Baillou Hill Road south of Carmichael Road; Baillou Road Between Tonique Darling and Robinson Road; Hospital Lane; Zion Boulevard; Kennedy Subdivision Roads.”

Mr Sears added that the additional employees were the first to be hired for road patching in over four years, and that ten contractors were selected to join the ministry in a “massive blitz” to solve the capital’s ongoing pothole dilemma.

He said: “The ministry engaged in regular employment in the ministry some 20 road maintenance staff who are directly responsible for road patching utilising newly-acquired equipment such as trucks and other tools to meet this urgent need. This is the first time in over four years that the ministry has been able to engage staff and obtain equipment to address this issue of potholes.

“I wish also to inform this House that we are in the process of engaging ten contractors who have demonstrated expertise in pothole patching over the years to supplement the Ministry’s Road Patching Unit to begin a massive blitz to address this problem.”