The recent spate of torrential rain was a stark reminder of the urgency which is needed in addressing the bridge situation, especially in the north eastern areas of mainland St. Vincent.
In areas where bridges had collapsed or become dysfunctional, whether under the weight of volcanic ash or heavy rains that occasioned flooding, residents were stranded on either side of rivers during the recent downpour.
It was expected that by now some measure of relief in this regard would have been provided with the erection of Bailey Bridges.
On learning that St. Lucia had Bailey Bridges in storage, a request was made by Hon. Montgomery Daniel to his counterpart, Stephenson King, in St. Lucia for the loan of at least three bridges.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves confirmed on NBC radio that he had spoken to that country’s Prime Minister Phillip Pierre on the matter, and that he, Pierre, had no problem with approving the request.
As such, therefore, it was only a matter of transporting the three Bailey Bridges from St Lucia, Gonsalves said, but he gave no estimated time of arrival here, of the Bridges.
Daniel disclosed that the decision to utilize temporary structures was agreed based on the advice from the technical persons.
“If you were to begin doing the designs for permanent bridges, it will take a much longer time and the cost,” he said.
What was needed, he stressed, was to provide some immediate relief and do so in a practicable manner. (DD)