PNP Gov’t failed to address infrastructure needs says Sean Astwood

Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, May 31, 2024 – There is an “urgent need” for improved infrastructure maintenance and a vision for the country’s future infrastructural needs, according to former Minister of Infrastructure Housing Planning and Development, Sean R. Astwood.

Mr. Astwood said the Department of Public Works is entrusted with the well-being of communities, and it is “with great concern” that he address the pressing issue of  deteriorating infrastructure.

“The sorry state of our roads, plagued by potholes, traffic congestion, and a lack of proper maintenance, is not merely an inconvenience, but a serious threat to the safety and prosperity of our people. The Department of Public Works is the body responsible for overseeing the maintenance and development of our infrastructure, has failed to effectively address these critical issues,” he said.

The former Deputy Premier added that potholes mar roads, causing damage to vehicles and posing a significant risk to motorists and pedestrians alike. He underscored that traffic jams have become a” daily ordeal”, not only wasting precious time but also contributing to an increase in daily frustration for people, and “what is immediately needed is a reinstatement of the drainage management program.

“This allows a routine scheduled cleaning of all road drains, periodic checks of drainage systems and equipment. These elements should also be thoroughly checked ahead of a known storm whether it be a small weather system, a tropical storm, or a hurricane,” Mr. Astwood said.

He is also calling for improvement to traffic system, specifically in Provo, and “immediate measures” must be taken to alleviate the traffic jams which currently impact on a few main locations, as based on his observation during the mornings (Mondays thru Fridays), traffic coming out of Five Cays, Blue Hills, Long Bay and the Suzie Turn roundabout are  high pressure points.”

He said, in the evenings, Downtown, going back into Five Cays and Blue Hills are also high-pressure points, he pointed out, stressing that   possible short-term solutions could include a traffic officer being placed at the locations for a predicted period to direct traffic.

“Traffic lights might be needed in certain locations, and minor reconfiguring of some of these intersections might also be an option. For a long-term fix to the issue that will only get progressively worst, if not addressed, is to have a thorough study of the traffic system done. I am aware the country has been trying to get such a report done for a while now, seemingly to no end. At this point we cannot afford any more delays, simply pay for it, and get it done. This plan will be used to design our road system for the next fifty years and beyond,” he argued.