THE EDITOR, Sir:SOMETIME IN the 70s or 80s some smart Alec decided that it was devastating on the environment to collect sand from the river so they went to Parliament and made it illegal for the common man to supplement his livelihood by clearing the waterways.
This very foolish act allowed sand and stone which is transported by water after every rainfall to build up to a
higher level each time. At present it is so high that the rain only has to 'set up' for the water from the river to run over unto the road.
There is no proper training nor supervision of the river hence the river undermines the road, causing it to sink at
different points; even then the only time that the authorities notice is when they hear that sections of the road have been washed out.
NO ALTERNATE ROUTE
On Tuesday, the 15th of November, I saw at one end of the gorge eleven tractor trailers, all waiting and hoping that the water will run off so they could go home to their families. Contrary to the knowledge of the NWA, there is no alternate route for them.
I am calling upon the Government to immediately do the sensible thing. Give the people along the gorge the go ahead to remove the sand. Don't worry they know not to remove the embankment. No mechanical equipment allowed. This would be of no cost to the government and money would be saved in road repairs, gas consumption, mechanical wear on vehicles, etc. and the thousands of people who use this road daily to go about their businesses, would be relieved of the stress.
It is important that we cease the erosion of the flat bridge and its supports now.
I am, etc.,
WINSTON C BEDWARD
clive04@hotmail.com
P.O. Box 44459
Linstead, St. Catherine
