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Damaged roadway yet to be repaired after nearly four years

- Resident expresses concerns, fears for safety
Residents of Fat Hogs Bay have now been waiting nearly four years for promised repairs to a dangerous section of road that leads to an apartment complex after reportedly receiving assurances by several politicians among others that the task would have been completed by this time. Photo: VINO
It was in October, 2009 that Allen Smith first brought the eroded section of road in the Brady Ghut area of Fat Hogs Bay to the attention of authorities at the Ministry for Communications and Works as well as the Department of Public Works. Photo: VINO
It was in October, 2009 that Allen Smith first brought the eroded section of road in the Brady Ghut area of Fat Hogs Bay to the attention of authorities at the Ministry for Communications and Works as well as the Department of Public Works. Photo: VINO
The broken section of road hovers above a nearly 20 feet precipice that is likely to crumble at any moment given the continued erosion it faces and unavoidable usage of the roadway. Photo: VINO
The broken section of road hovers above a nearly 20 feet precipice that is likely to crumble at any moment given the continued erosion it faces and unavoidable usage of the roadway. Photo: VINO
An apartment building situated immediately below the damaged section of the roadway. Photo: VINO
An apartment building situated immediately below the damaged section of the roadway. Photo: VINO
Notably, traffic cones that previously stood as a warning to motorists have since been removed, however, it remains to be seen whether the promised funding will now be handed out after several false dawns experienced in the past by residents in the area concerning the project. Photo: supplied
Notably, traffic cones that previously stood as a warning to motorists have since been removed, however, it remains to be seen whether the promised funding will now be handed out after several false dawns experienced in the past by residents in the area concerning the project. Photo: supplied
One of the pieces of correspondence received by Mr Smith from the Ministry of Communications and Works regarding the repairs to the damaged section of the road. Photo: VINO
One of the pieces of correspondence received by Mr Smith from the Ministry of Communications and Works regarding the repairs to the damaged section of the road. Photo: VINO
FAT HOGS BAY, Tortola, VI – Residents of Fat Hogs Bay have now been waiting nearly four years for promised repairs to a dangerous section of road that leads to an apartment complex after reportedly receiving assurances by several politicians among others that the task would have been completed by this time.

It was in October, 2009 that Allen Smith first brought the eroded section of road in the Brady Ghut area of Fat Hogs Bay to the attention of authorities at the Ministry of Communications and Works as well as the Department of Public Works.

“They keep saying [that there is] no funding available,” Smith claimed. He added that a section of roadway near a retaining wall in the Hannah’s Estate area recently highlighted by Virgin Islands News Online has since been rebuilt while other repairs have been done to damaged areas around the Territory even as the roadway remains in the same condition.

The broken section of road hovers above a nearly 20 feet precipice that is likely to crumble at any moment given the continued erosion it faces added to the unavoidable usage of the roadway.

According to Smith, who is also an apartment complex owner affected by the damaged roadway, the erosion first started after a bout of heavy rainfall in the area around the period of time.

The resident claimed that both the current and past Ministers for Communications and Works are fully aware of the situation as well as the area’s District Representative. Smith also stated that he had resorted to sending a report of the issue to the Complaints Commission after seeing no action being taken.

Smith claimed that visitors to tenants in his apartment complex have been forced to park some distance down the road for fear that they may be injured or lose their vehicle. He also reported that he has been unable to carry out remedial works to his property because of the limited access to his building.

Fortunately, there have been no serious reported accidents occurring thus far as a result of the damaged roadway, but this may soon change given the continued neglect that has been meted out.

According to documents seen by this news site, both the Office of the Complaints Commission as well as the Ministry of Communications and Works have responded favourably to the complaint submitted by Smith, promising yet again that necessary financing is being sought to remedy the problem.

A letter signed by Ag. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications of Works, Mr Gary J. Penn on March 31, 2013 states: “I am happy to inform you that the Public Works Department has completed its assessment of the situation and has prepared the necessary structural plans and financial estimates to meaningfully address the remedial and improvement measures to shore-up the collapsed roadway. The Minister for Communications is very much aware of the situation and is seeking the necessary financing to implement the works.”

Notably, traffic cones that previously stood as a warning to motorists have since been removed; however, it remains to be seen whether the promised funding will now be handed out after several false dawns experienced in the past by residents in the area concerning the project.

22 Responses to “Damaged roadway yet to be repaired after nearly four years”

  • Really (13/08/2013, 09:35) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply

    They need to fix that ASAP then surcharge whoever caused it to happen. People doing bullsh1t on their property and when it goes to sh1t we the taxpayer must pay it. It's dangerous so Government should fix it and surcharge their @$$. Sick place.

  • noted (13/08/2013, 09:35) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Everybody want something fixed but they don't want to pay taxes.
  • rattie (13/08/2013, 09:42) Like (4) Dislike (15) Reply
    But we put NDP in office to do what the VIP did not do and the people still getting the same run around!
  • Good Job Vino (13/08/2013, 09:56) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    I bit my lat dollar now that this on VINO they will rush to do something!!! Setoff useless people
  • . (13/08/2013, 09:57) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    I want to see if the government will assist this guy because they said that they will not build retaining walls for private people during the campain.
  • billyb (13/08/2013, 10:31) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    these people need to stop underminding the roads and build their houses with the right authority. If they were to do so they would not fall into the problems that they do. They cut their foundation right up under the road and when the road give-way, they start bawling and we start paying.
  • one side (13/08/2013, 11:03) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Similar situation.
    Both Governments had ample opportunity to fix the road from Harrigan to Fort Charlotte in the area above Dwight’s apartments. What is the problem? Is there something that the public is not aware of or can’t be told?
  • Opinion (13/08/2013, 11:04) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    The problem here appears to have started with the home owner(s) in the area. Town & Country planning also has to take some blame. If persons stop eroding the road ways by over excavating, this can be eliminated. Also Town & Country Planning needs to be more strict with its set back policies. There needs to be Government supervision when building and excavation is taking place to eliminate these issues. Water from heavy rains DID NOT start this issue. Over excavation did. Property owners need to taken some responsibility for the damage. What is we all over excavated and expect Government to fix all the problems??
    • Chris (13/08/2013, 14:23) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Good point Opinion. I know when people building house or structures like this the Government should always make the pay to have the road or walls re-build...I know in the US any person or business building near an intersection the government always make them pay to re-surfaces the roads and sidewalks. not to mention they have to do that before they even get half way the building process. So government need to start making then build retain walls and solid wall structures before they even start building below the roads.
    • neighbor #2 (13/08/2013, 18:29) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are quite right, one of the home owners was trying to extend their parking to accomadate a tenant with two vehicles and the rains came at around the time they were halfway through digging out Mr Smith full well know what cause the undermining of the road. How come he aint involve the rest neighbors. Talk bring talk. Everybody want the Govt to fix their mess up when they make them. Allo you say you a christian talk the truth. Hmmmm
  • drake (13/08/2013, 12:01) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    From the pics that job looks like its gonna cost 1 million dollars, Mark check on it quick...
  • rr (13/08/2013, 13:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This kind of thing exsit also in sea cows bay and cane garden bay
  • Really (13/08/2013, 13:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Naturally that's what it will take to fix the damn road
  • usa (13/08/2013, 19:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They waiting on the cbd loan to fix it so keep waiting my boy
  • Take the Blame (14/08/2013, 09:21) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    thats what people get for thiefing land. alot of people does move the land marker and place on other people property.
  • Don't blame (14/08/2013, 10:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I see roads that were undermined where there are no homes or development. Water can cause a lot of damage overtime. The sinkholes in the news around the world are caused due to water under the ground, not from any excavation. We need to be sensible. These problems need immediate attention to avoid them getting worse.


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