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Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 13, 2017 (SKNIS): Motorists traveling through the tunnel at Timothy Hill on the Kennedy A. Simmonds Highway have been provided with additional safety with the completion of a lighting project.

 

On Wednesday’s (April 12) edition of “Working for You”, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Ian ‘Patches’ Liburd, expressed pleasure that the contractors were finally able to install the lights last Thursday, and that they are now fully functional.

 

“We have satisfied all of the traffic safety obligations as it relates to the Southeast Peninsula Road,” he said, adding that the necessary road surface markings and reflectors are also prominently featured. The tunnel was officially opened in May 2016.

 

The minister also gave an update on the road improvement project which involves the resurfacing of the island’s main road as well as the paving/repairing of secondary roads in various communities. He said that there are approximately 107 miles of road in St. Kitts and an assessment is about to get underway to determine an appropriate course of action.

 

“That road conditions survey will inform us what is to be done, how it is to be done, and of course the estimated cost of what is to be done,” Minister Liburd noted.

 

Director of the Public Works Department, Cromwell Williams, said that a contract was recently signed with A De B Consultants Ltd. to conduct the road conditions survey. Work will begin before the end of April 2017, and is expected to last approximately six months. It will include an assessment of the island’s main road in the first instance and more.

 

Minister Liburd said that over the years there were more than 70 areas around St. Kitts where lands were allocated and houses built. However, he said, they lack proper roads and drainage. He said a decision was taken by the government to add the “proper infrastructure” for 25 housing projects to encourage further development of the area and to enhance the environment for persons living in the area.

 

The minister of public infrastructure said constructing the roads in the 25 communities will cost approximately $69 million making it likely that the upgrades will have to be done in phases. Areas to be upgraded include Taylor’s in Basseterre; Stone Fort in Challengers, Half Way Tree, Boyd’s, St. Peter’s, Sandy Point, Cunningham in Cayon and others.