Dear Editor,
I grew up in Linden. Many people in Linden have lost a relative or a friend through an accident on the Linden Highway. I lost a cousin in the 1970s that way. The last government did not address this matter. The late President Hoyte lost his two beautiful daughters in the same way. We continue to see many deaths on this roadway that are due either to speeding, trucks parked without lights at night, holes in the road, poor design or deterioration which make the road hazardous when it rains, and poor quality tyres used by drivers. The banning of recycled tyres is a good move ‒ is it actually in force?
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Cabinet need to give priority to promoting and protecting the public interest. Tow away the parked trucks and keep them for a year, introduce 24-hour patrols on the highway and collect fees at toll stations fees that can assist in defraying the costs of repair, security and maintenance. Drive in some parts of the United States and there is a toll booth at several junctures to ensure that users help to fund the cost of maintaining safe roads.
Can the Minister of Public Infrastructure and the President give this the due executive attention it deserves?
Yours faithfully,
Joycelyn T Williams