Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

OCHO RIOS, St Ann:

THE NATIONAL Works Agency (NWA) has said it is looking to make claims from insurance companies whenever bus sheds are destroyed by motorists.

Stephen Shaw, communications manager of the NWA, made the disclosure while responding to complaints from commuters who use bus sheds along the north coast.

The commuters say they are being left to the mercy of the elements, as many of the bus sheds which were built as part of the North Coast Highway project are in a state of disrepair, or are now non-existent in some cases.

"We know some have been damaged by motorists and some by acts of God and need fixing, but there are constraints," Shaw told The Gleaner on Wednesday.

Assistance from residents

He added: "We want residents to assist by giving information when sheds are knocked over by motorists, so we can claim from their insurance companies."

While acknowledging that several bus sheds along the North Coast Highway have been destroyed, Shaw said the NWA has not been able to tally the amount.

The metal structures, painted in black and gold and emblazoned with the NWA logo, are strategically placed along the roadway along the northern coastline. While they seemed attractive when first erected, they have come to be criticised by commuters, who claim they do not offer as much protection from the elements as did the concrete structures that preceded them.

rural@gleanerjm.com