The execution strategies for the sewerage main upgrade on the Waterfront Drive is being reconsidered following a meeting with business owners and residents.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Communications and Works, Mr. Anthony McMaster said the project is situated from the Sea View Hotel to the entrance of the Burt Point Sewerage Treatment Plant adjacent Crandell’s Bakery. He said the project is expected to commence on April 21 and last for approximately ten days. Works are to be done at night and the road will be closed to traffic.

The Permanent Secretary stated that following discussions with the community, several concerns were raised. These he said included mobility of emergency vehicles, access for late night arrivals, disturbance to overnight visitors and residents, dust pollution and schedule for works regarding time of day and season.

Mr. McMaster said a decision has been made to execute works in a more suitable fashion to address the concerns of all parties. He added that the Ministry still considers the works in the area are of high priority and urgency and an alternative schedule will be proposed with these concerns in mind.

Mr. McMaster said, “We understand that this particular area is quite sensitive and narrow, with several businesses and many residents that are located on the road’s edge. We know road works can be quite disruptive and we are trying to mitigate the disruption to business in this area.”

He added, “Our engineers gave us (the Ministry) proposed schedules for what they believe would be less intrusive but we decided that rather than going by with what we were recommended to do and issue notices, we decided to actually have a meeting so that we can come together and say ‘yes we know it’s not going to be perfect but we think we will be able to work with things along these lines.’”

The Permanent Secretary went on to state, “We have learned from our past experiences and we do not want a repeat of certain situations.”

The Ministry of Communications and Works will continue to communicate with all communities moving forward to ensure that projects are executed in a favorable approach to all.