Concern over timing of Speightstown flood control project

A St. Peter community organisation has raised concerns over the timing of Government’s Salt Pond Flood Mitigation Project in Speightstown.

The project, currently in its second phase, resulted in temporary traffic changes from Monday, September 20, and will continue for an estimated four months, according to Ryan Brooker, project manager of One Builders Construction. The project is being spearheaded by the Barbados Tourism Investment Inc (BTI).

However, speaking on behalf of the One Community group, St Peter resident Alwyn Babb said while the group is appreciative of the fact that the Salt Pond Flood Mitigation Project is moving forward it is worried that the works will further harm already struggling businesses in the area.

Babb said: “We believe that the works will have a deleterious impact on the lives and livelihoods of residents. This is neither the time nor the period to be negatively affecting businesses or employment opportunities.

“The fourth quarter is one where businesses look forward to making more than the usual profits to take them through the lean months.”

The educator and national coach told Barbados TODAY that a number of business owners have contacted him about the situation.

Their major concern, he said, is that the proposed traffic changes will result in major traffic congestion in the main town area where their businesses are located.

“This congestion will become even more acute when one takes into consideration the anticipated Christmas rush, ongoing upgrades in the area and increased traffic to businesses.

There are already concerns with the shortage of parking spaces and with the first signs of congestion persons coming to shop may be deterred,” he explained.

Babb outlined what he sees as a “workable solution”.

He said: “Currently, works are also being done on a bridge at Around-the-Town. I am proposing that the work on the Salt Pond Flood Mitigation be delayed until work on the bridge at Around-the-Town is completed. That way some of the traffic, to be diverted, can be accommodated.”

Babb said that given all the challenges facing Barbadians at this time there is a need to make life easier wherever possible.

“Let us work together for the betterment of all. We are One Community, St. Peter,” he said.
The potential impact of the temporary closure of the bridge on the KNR Highway in Speightstown was examined during a site tour on Friday, September 10.

The tour included Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations and MP for the area, Colin Jordan, BTI officials and other key figures.

Project manager Brooker gave a tour of the alternative routes. He disclosed then that emergency vehicles will have access routes through Around-the-Town heading north and south adjacent to the KNR Highway during the closure. However, work is ongoing at Aroundthe-Town. (IMC)