Jack halts work on Debe/Mon Desir section of highway to conduct additional studies

Protesters confront Works Minister Jack Warner at a consultation last week

Jack Warner told reporters Tuesday his ministry has stopped construction on the disputed Debe/Mon Desir section of the highway to Point Fortin to allow experts to have another look at the project to see if it is feasible to change the route.

A group called the Re-route Highway movement led by Dr Wayne Kublalsingh is demanding that the route be changed.

Kublalsingh has said protesters support the highway. However they are against any development in the Mon Desir and Debe areas because that development would will destroy 13 "well-established, well-endowed communities" that are "economically viable and sustainable".

He said many of the people who live there today have inherited large portions of land from their ancestors. Kublalsingh and his supporters have suggested an alternative route through lands that were formerly used for sugar cane cultivation.

The Minister of Works and Infrastructure said there will be no further work on that section of the highway for at least four months.

Warner stated, "All our engineers and technicians say it is the best site, but we are making another study again just to make assurance doubly sure there is no other route that we can take but the one we have chosen."

He added, "When you collect all the information then you justify to the public and to the protesters that you have done your best and you cannot do more than your best.".

The minister said work is continuing on the section of the highway from Debe to Siparia.

He also said the affected residents in the Debe to Mon Desir sections are being offered lots in Petit Morne and Ste Madeleine. He said work is 55 per cent completed on the lands, and residents would be allowed to choose their lots.

He said 40 persons have already received cheques for properties and more payments will be made within the next three weeks.