An OpED By Sean Astwood, Former Deputy Premier
As a Former Minister of Infrastructure Housing Planning & Development which the Department of Public Works fell under, is entrusted with the well-being of our community, it is with great concern that I address the pressing issue of our 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. Potholes mar our roads, causing damage to vehicles and posing a significant risk to motorists and pedestrians alike.
Traffic jams have become a daily ordeal, not only wasting precious time but also contributing to an increase in daily frustration our people are already experiencing. No Minister, we are not living our best lives.
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.
As for our traffic system, specifically in Provo, immediate measures must be taken to alleviate the traffic jams which currently impact on a few main locations. Based on my 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.
In the evenings, downtown, going back into Five Cays and Blue Hills are also high-pressure points. Possible short-term solutions could include a traffic officer being placed at these 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. This will include alternative routes being created, the use of overpasses in certain areas, reclaiming land in needed locations for bigger roundabouts and access roads, amending legislations i.e., the size and number of vehicles and a wide host of other ideas that should be explore during this study.
It is crucial for the government to make available the necessary resources for this long[1]term plan but also to ensure current repair our roads are performed regularly, implement a robust maintenance program, and improve traffic management to alleviate congestion and promote efficient transportation.
We must hold the government and the Department of Public Works accountable for its failures and ensure that it is equipped with the leadership, resources, and mandate to fulfill its responsibilities effectively. I noted the Minister took offense when the people stated their dissatisfaction with the condition of the roads.
The Minister posted a meme stating, “While they talk, We Wuk!” I must remind the Minister that the “they” he is referring to are his bosses and they do deserve better. This process of patching up potholes after storms or when the size of the potholes increase significantly are a waste of our Country’s resources and is not a proper solution.
In 2016, the PDM, after 13 years of not being the Government, met crumbling infrastructure with our roads and Government buildings, we developed a comprehensive plan to pave all Government roads throughout the country and to repair all Government buildings.
The focus was first on communities that had roads that were never paved and paved roads that needed immediate repairs. Secondly, main public roads that required immediate attention for the creation of drainages. Next in line would have been roads like the one behind Smart Supermarket, the road from the Fortis roundabout to the downtown roundabout etc.
Then the plan was to move to the resurfacing of the Leeward Highway and the South Dock Highway. This plan was abandoned by the current administration and unfortunately, we along with the public are watching our infrastructure crumble.
This level of neglect must not be allowed to continue. The state of our infrastructure reflects the Government’s commitment to the welfare of our people.
We cannot afford to ignore the deteriorating conditions of our roads, the traffic congestion that plagues our communities, and the lack of a coherent maintenance strategy. It is time for decisive action, bold leadership, serious investment, and a renewed dedication
to the well-being of our community. Together, we can build a safer, more prosperous future
for all.
End
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