Pipe-laying project in section of St. Ann to be completed 'soon'

By Kimone Witter    

 

The National Water Commission says a major pipe-laying project from the AGR Byfield Highway along the North Coast to a housing development in Llandovery, St. Ann will be completed within days, after concerns of a reduced roadway were raised by motorists.

 

Senior Superintendent Dwight Powell, Commanding Officer for the St. Ann Police Division, says he has received complaints from motorists that they no longer have use of the soft shoulder in the event of emergencies, due to the piles of debris along the roadway.

 

SSP Powell said he has spoken to the NWC which has committed to completing the work in short order. 

 

"I understand that they are not yet through with that project, so there are some pipes that still need to be power-pressured, tested, and so that process is ongoing. I also spoke with my partners from the National Works Agency. And so I'm confident...that as soon as a project is complete, they'll be able to replace those trenches and to remove those debris from the sidewalk," said SSP Powell. 

 

Meanwhile, Regional Manager for the NWC, Richard Williams says the delay on the almost one-year-old project is mainly due to coordination with other stakeholders such as FLOW and the National Works Agency to avoid damaging existing infrastructure.

 

Mr. Williams added that the pipeline laying project is approximately 85% complete, with the focus now on completing the road and bridge crossings.

 

Motorists are urged to remain cautious while travelling through the area.