Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer
MINISTER OF Transport and Works, Robert Pickersgill, says the relocation of more than 100 fisherfolk who operate along the Portmore Causeway remains a concern for engineers preparing to start the next phase of work on the Portmore segment of Highway 2000.
Mr. Pickersgill made the observation yesterday while providing an update to journalists on the various projects overseen by his ministry, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston.
The Transport Minister revealed that work on the Portmore Causeway is on schedule, with the Hunts Bay Bridge and Fort Augusta Interchange open to commuters since December.
"The major outstanding problem is the relocation of the fisherfolk as the proposed land has been leased to private individuals by the Government," he said. "This matter has to be resolved now as the fisherfolk are temporarily located on lands to be developed by the Port Authority of Jamaica."
Some of the 130 fish vendors who do business along the strip leading into Portmore have been selling at that location for more than 20 years. Shortly after Government announced plans for the expansion of the causeway, they were told by the authorities that they would have to find another location at which to sell.
NEW LOCATION IDENTIFIED
A new location has been identified near the Jamworld complex in Waterford and is being developed by the National Road Operation and Construction Company (NROCC), the Government agency overseeing the construction of Highway 2000.
Mayor of Portmore, George Lee, told The Gleaner yesterday that plans for the site, approved by NROCC, were sent to the municipality in mid-2005. Several calls by The Gleaner yesterday to NROCC's managing director, Dr. Wayne Reid, were unsuccessful.
The relocation of the fisherfolk has at times been contentious.
In July 2004, they had a verbal agreement with the Urban Development Corporation and NROCC to move to the left side of the road. One week later, officials from the Port Authority said they were operating illegally and ordered them to leave, which triggered a stand-off with the vendors.
