$14 Million to Rehabilitate Minor Roads in Portland

As the recovery process gathers momentum in Portland, following the passage of Hurricane Ivan last week, the Parish Council has estimated that it will cost in excess of $14 million to rehabilitate minor roads in the parish.
This figure was put forward by Technical Officers of the Council earlier this week. Several of the roads have been made impassable as a result of fallen trees, landslides or surface damage caused by the heavy rains.
Secretary/Manager of the Portland Parish Council, Franklyn Smith told JIS News that the Council was treating the reinstatement programme with the utmost urgency, despite its inability to provide the funding required.
Mr. Smith pointed out that the Council would be seeking financial assistance from the Ministry of Local Government, Community Development and Sport. He pointed out that temporary work in the sum of $4 million was currently being carried out by the Council to improve the conditions of the roadways. The Secretary/Manager said the Council was satisfied with the progress of the work done so far, adding that the National Works Agency (NWA) was providing valuable assistance in the effort.