Bourbon, Portland, Gets New Bridge

A new bridge built in the community of Bourbon, Portland, was officially opened by Minister of Transport, Hon. Mike Henry, on Thursday (October 15).
The bridge, constructed at a cost of $9.8 million, was built by the National Works Agency (NWA). Construction became necessary because of the continuous erosion of the roadway by an adjacent river.
Residents of the area also had to endure the problem of inaccessibility due to inundation caused by the river, whenever it rains heavily. The severity of the road problems, resulting from the effects of the river, led to a mass migration of residents from the community which has impacted negatively on the overall development of the area.
In declaring the bridge open, Mr. Henry commended residents of Bourbon for the patience they have displayed over the years, in enduring the challenges encountered before the construction of the bridge. He also expressed confidence that those who left the community, because of the challenges, will return and resume contributing to its social and economic progress.

Students of Maidstone All-Age School, Portland, crossing the new bridge built in Bourbon by the National Works Agency (NWA) at a cost of $9.8 million. The bridge was declared open by Minister of Transport and Works, Hon. Mike Henry, on Thursday (October 15).

Mr. Henry said he was certain that the strong developmental potential of the area will ensure the continued upliftment of the people living there.
Member of Parliament for West Portland, Hon. Daryl Vaz, also commended the residents for their patience and understanding, and reiterated his commitment to continue working with them to improve their lives and develop the community.
Earlier in the day, officers of the NWA were taken on a tour of sections of the Northern Coastal Highway corridor in Portland, to view the work done in the area.
The tour took in areas between Windsor Castle and St. Margaret’s Bay, and the touring party heard from residents about problems they are experiencing as a result of the construction of the highway. These include the depositing of water in their yards, and failure to restore a number of gateways following preparatory work for the roadway construction.
The NWA officials assured the residents that every effort will be made to correct the problems they are now experiencing.