The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN petroleum retailer yesterday said he has seen sales at his station decline by 35-40 per cent over the last 14 months due to ongoing roadworks, telling Tribune Business after access to his business was blocked: "This is might be the nail in the coffin."

Vascoe Bastian, operator of the Esso station at the East Street and Soldier Road junction, said he had not been informed that roadworks would be conducted in the area, blocking access to his business from around 8am yesterday.

"I was not informed that this would be happening. If I had been informed I could have told my staff not to come in," he told Tribune Business. "There are people who want to work but can't because customers can't access the station to buy gas or items. They are here not doing anything.

"This is utterly ridiculous. This might be the nail in the coffin. I have endured this roadworks for 14 months and I am frustrated. You have about 20 guys from the roadworks just sitting down and not doing anything because they are waiting on a product, even though they put up these barricades and have access to my business blocked off."

Mr Bastian said he had seen his business fall-off 35-40 per cent in the last 14 months. He emphasised: "I have lost at least 35-40 per cent in sales over the last 14 months due to the roadworks.

"This here this morning is the nail in the coffin, and I will seek recourse through the proper channels. I supported the project from day one, but this is a huge inconvenience to me to day. This has cost me thousands of dollars in sales."

Mr Bastian said many gas retailers were struggling to stay in business, and urged the Government to allow them to own their own stations.

He said: "You have some retailers paying as high as $28,000 a month for rent. The Government is sitting down and allowing these wholesalers to charge these exorbitant rates for rent. Rent and franchise fees are ridiculous, and are really hurting retailers. Then you have high electricity costs and pilferage."

Shenique Albury, environmental specialist in the project execution unit assigned to the New Providence Road Improvement Project (NPRIP), responding to Tribune Business' inquiries via e-mail, said the contractor was completing the final layer of asphalt on the western half of the East Street/Soldier Road junction.

Ms Albury said: "This is a one-day activity. Cars cannot drive in the area while dirt and debris is removed in preparation for paving, nor during paving.

"Additionally, once paving is complete the asphalt has to cure for a few hours before cars can drive on it. Due to this, local access is restricted to designated points. Although not in the usual manner, persons can access business houses.

"It should be noted that this activity was originally scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 29, but due to inclement weather over the weekend it was delayed until today."

She added: "The contractor is endeavouring to get work back on track. The Ministry of Public Works apologises for any inconvenience caused, and asks for the continued cooperation of the public as the Ministry seeks to enhance the infrastructure of New Providence."