MINISTER PICKERSGILL TOURS REHABILITATED GRANGE LANE

From left to right: Minister Pickersgill, Mr. Lloyd Heron of the NWA, Dr. Fenton Ferguson, State Minister, Mr. Fitz Jackson, M.P for the area.

Minister Robert Pickersgill along with State Minister, Dr. Fenton Ferguson, Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Fitz Jackson and members of the NWA/Ministry of Transport and Works toured the newly rehabilitated Lakes Pen to Independence City main road (aka Grange Lane) on Wednesday, April 6.

Reason for the tour was the symbolic re-opening of the rehabilitated roadway which was done at a cost of J$53M. The original contract was for J$59M but the contractor ALCAR Construction completed the job while saving $7M. The amount saved on this project will go towards upgrading additional roads in the community.

Vehicles travelling on the rehabilitated road while officials and residents look on.

The project was completed in six weeks and on time. Works, which were undertaken included:
· Cleaning of existing earth drains and culvert pipes
· Construction of new earth drains and swale
· Installation of 600mm diameter concrete pipes
· Preparation and formation of roadway
· Strengthening of sub-base and base courses
· Asphaltic concrete overlay
· Installation of guardrails and
· Pavement markings.

ISpeaking at the re-opening ceremony, Minister Pickersgill said, ' I am very pleased and I feel extremely proud to be touring Grange Lane. I am pleased at the success of this project .this is the standard we are setting .on completion of a major rehabilitation project, all the parties should be pleased and satisfied with the accomplishment.'

In pointing out that the residents must be pleased with the condition of the re-habilitated road, Minister Pickersgill commended Mr. Fitz Jackson, M.P for the area, Mr. George Williams, Councillor for the division, the National Works Agency and the contractors ALCAR Construction for the work their contribution sin making the road a reality..

The rehabilitation of the road section was carried out under the Caribbean Development Bank Flood Damage Rehabilitation Programme.

Minister Pickersgill used the opportunity to warn errant motorists not to use the roadway for speeding purposes. Said he, 'let me warn that this is not a racetrack .I appeal to motorists to obey the speed limit and use the road in the appropriate manner. I also urge the traffic police to increase their vigilance of speeding motorists.we don't want the loss of any life as a result of these improvement works.we must arrest the carnage on our roads by driving responsibly and exercise extreme caution especially in built-up areas.'