Traffic is flowing once again on the Purcell Estate Road. Photo: Reuben Stoby/VINO

Before (left) and after! The pipes have been covered temporarily until the Ministry and PWD can determine the best way to complete the project. Photo: VINO

Before (left) and After! The pipes have been covered temporarily until the Ministry and PWD can determine the best way to complete the project. Photos: /VINO

The Johnson/Purcell Ghut Development Project was implemented to improve drainage, prevent flooding and ease traffic congestion in the Johnson’s Ghut and Purcell Estate areas. Its execution has been implemented in various phases since its inception in 2008.

During the House of Assembly (HOA) sitting on Monday December 19,2011, Hon. Vanterpool disclosed that “Every effort is being made to temporarily accommodate some vehicular traffic over the busy Christmas holiday period particularly for the residents and businesses that have been inconvenienced over the last several months.”

The Minister had also stated that while it may be difficult at “this stage to reverse some of the executed works due to a number of challenges”, the Public Works Department (PWD) had put forward recommendations to mitigate the impacts of flooding in the Johnson’s Ghut watershed. This included the installation of proper drainage solutions in critical areas; the alteration of entrance and exit slopes of the existing sediment traps in the paved drainage channel and the construction of check dams along strategic locations. According to him, the execution of the mitigation measures will occur over the short to long terms, but in the meantime, works had resumed on the project site.

Businesses were particularly affected at the road closure and may now be breathing a sigh of relief...and much cleaner air!