Farm Roads Rehabilitated in South Manchester

Some 1,400 metres of farm roads in St. Toolies and Alvie in South Manchester have been repaired by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) at a cost of $12 million.

Speaking at the official opening of the roadway on April 13, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson said the work undertaken will allow the farmers to transport their produce to the market.

“Farmers were having difficulty getting out their crops, the cost was extremely high, and so this section that is complete will help them greatly,” he said.

He added that some 700 metres of roadway have been asphalted in St. Toolies, with another 700 metres to be repaired in the community this financial year.

In addition, Minister Hutchinson said some $850 million has been earmarked for this financial year towards the rehabilitation of the island’s farm road network, adding that of this amount, $400 million will be spent in the coming months.

He also informed that of the 60 farm roads due for repairs last financial year, some 52 have already been completed.

Meanwhile, farmer in the St. Toolies community, Rudolph Freeman, told JIS News that he welcomes the work done on the roadway.

“It is going to make a big difference, because customers will have it to use, and for my farm, it will prevent the dust from contaminating (it). I plant Scotch bonnet peppers, sweet peppers, tomatoes and others, based on rotation. If the Government could finish fixing the road and put in irrigation, all farmers would benefit,” Mr Freeman said.

Councillor for the Porus Division and Principal of the Alexander Basic School, Claudia Morrant-Baker, said the refurbished roadway has been making a difference in the lives of her students.

“It has made a difference because, over the years, with the bad road condition, students were unable to come to school. Taxi men did not want to come in, because the roads were too terrible. Now the taxis are running… and they are willing to carry the students,” she stated.

Residents of Alvie, including senior citizen, Ellen Reid, welcomed the repairs to the 700 metres of farm roads. She told JIS that she is now able to go walking and running in the mornings.