THE EDITOR, Sir:
A WHILE back when a Chinese lady was washed away while trying to negotiate rising water in a gully somewhere near to the Grants Pen area, there was a flurry of activity suggesting that steps were being taken to prevent future similar tragedies.
Pauline Gray of the Jamaica Shipping Association was washed away while trying to negotiate rising water in a gully near Cassia Park. Today (9/4/03), there is a flurry of activity suggesting that steps will be taken to prevent similar tragedies.
Some time ago, a chunk of the bridge at Dunrobin Avenue/Washington Boulevard falls out. One lane is immediately closed and work starts to build a proper bridge right beside the obviously weakened bridge. This new bridge is built in the fastest possible time. At the same time, however, the old bridge is reopened to vehicular traffic.
This morning, April 9, 2003, as I attempted to drive under the bridge at the junction of Dunrobin Avenue and Washington Boulevard, a large, possibly 16-wheeler truck, passes overhead. The bridge shakes and rattles. I hesitate. Traffic on Red Hills Road is bumper to bumper. Car horns begin to blow. I am forced to drive under the bridge. Thankfully, it or parts of it do not fall.
Let me now predict what is going to happen to the new bridge. The new bridge will not be open to the public until the old bridge collapses with loss of life. Then there will be regrets about the loss of life, condolences to the families of those who died and a programme of photo opportunities and television coverage while opening the new bridge.
My prayer is that the Prime Minister reads this newspaper. If he does... dear Mr. Patterson, please identify the Minister under whose portfolio, gullies and bridges fall.
If you cannot fire him/her immediately, reduce his/her salary to that which obtained before the October elections. I guarantee, Mr. Prime Minister, that roads, gullies and bridges will now be dealt with in a proactive manner instead of a reactive manner.
I am, etc.,
Dr. PAUL WRIGHT
14 Spanish Court
New Kingston
