Temporary victory for Highway Re-route movement

Tense scene at consultation with residents to discuss construction of highway to Point Fortin

The Ministry of Works announced on Saturday that it will halt work on the Debe to Siparia Interchange on the highway to Point Fortin until further studies are carried out.

Vice-president of Engineering and Programme Management at the National Infrastructure Development Company (NIDCO), Steve Garibsingh made the announcement to residents of the Penal/Debe community at a public consultation on the project.

“We have been requested by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to put a hold on the Debe to Siparia interchange segment till further additional studies, so we will not be proceeding for the time being with that section of the highway until further notice,” Garibsingh said.
The news brought cheers from the Re-Route Movement. 

The consultation had some tense moments as many residents were vocal about their concerns. 

Top officials involved in the project were present, including Works Minister Jack Warner, president of National Infrastructure Development Company (NIDCO) Dr Carlson Charles, Minister in the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Stacey Roopnarine, Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma, Public Utilities Minister Emmanuel George and Minister of Planning and the Economy Dr Bhoe Tewarie.

The community is divided over the highway development, which involved the relocation of about 300 families from the Debe to Mon Desir section.

Some families have accepted the move but others, who are members of the Re-route movement, are fighting the government to change the route of the highway.

Media reports said armed police had to intervene to calm tensions. 

Warner spoke with reporters after the meeting and said the people are concerned because in the past they didn't get a fair deal. "There are people who Government took their lands and they are yet to be paid," he said.