The Tribune

By Timothy S Roberts

ABACO – One day after a story ran in The Tribune concerning the deplorable condition of the roads in Central Abaco, workmen were seen patching potholes in the areas of most concern on Queen Elizabeth Drive and Don MacKay Boulevard in Marsh Harbour.

Simmons Construction and Heavy Equipment Ltd, to whom the road paving contract for Central Abaco was given, redirected their work crew to give attention to areas that featured many potholes, filling them with asphalt and then steam-rolling to pack the patches.

Renardo Curry, Member of Parliament for North Abaco, said he spoke with the contractor and recommended that they patch potholes, particularly in the high traffic areas through Marsh Harbour.

He said the Abaco Ministry of Works does not have a supply of cold patch and is also challenged by the need for a new truck.

Mr Curry said he is trying to get a new truck for Abaco shortly and for now, as a sign of their good will, Simmons will provide a supply of asphalt for patching.

Abaco drivers have been frustrated with an inordinate number of potholes and deteriorating road conditions for over a year.

An unusually rainy season has not helped road conditions either, contributing to temporary patchwork washing out in mere days.

Simmons Construction Company was awarded a $1.3 million contract to carry out repairs to portions of roads in Murphy Town, Dundas Town and Marsh Harbour on January 5, 2013; however, in July they were given the task of paving the main road from the airport in Marsh Harbour to the ferry dock at the Crossing.

Paving work began on August 26 and has been progressing despite being hampered by rain and delays in receiving aggregate materials.