Hinterland roads to be enhanced- Min. Edghill

Gearing up for the presentation of the 2020 emergency budget, Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill told the Department of Public Information that the Government will direct its efforts to the maintenance of existing infrastructure in the hinterland.

According to Minister Edghill, “there will be lots of work being done to ensure interior roads are in a good shape so people can move.”

The Minister bemoaned the state of hinterland roads that has resulted in horrific experiences along the trails such as the loss of lives, goods and damages to vehicles.

“I think families would appreciate that once a husband or father leaves for the interior, it used to be months before they get back home. We want to be able to have our interior roads accessible,” Minister Edghill continued.

It was underscored that the enhancement of hinterland roads is key to the continuance of economic activities, namely logging and mining.

To this end, Minister Edghill noted, “when roads are broken and they are cut off, and flights have to carry in goods and supplies, prices in those communities go up sometimes 800 to 1000 per cent.”

Nevertheless, concerning roads in other parts of the country, the Minister stated while these critical pieces of infrastructure will be strengthened, his Ministry has collaborated with the Ministry of Home Affairs to protect the lives of citizens on the roadways.

“If you build more roads, our people must be safe […] Traffic safety is a key priority. We have had many deaths on our roadways.”

On Monday, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced that $1.5Billion will be allocated for hinterland urban and rural roads.