The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Works has approved contracts for nine additional road patching crews to help address the vexing problem of potholes in New Providence, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said yesterday.

Mr Newbold said the pothole situation has “been driving motorists crazy in New Providence”.

“There are three Ministry of Works pothole patching crews that go out on a daily basis,” he said. “Minister Bannister has approved contracts for an additional nine pothole patching crews, which are presently being processed to be issued. There is an immediate plan to pave Willow Tree Avenue in Pinewood; Farrington Road from the six-leg roundabout to Boyd Road and Culbert’s Hill in Winton once the utility companies have completed all their repair works.”

During the wide-ranging press conference, he also said a report on the travels of Cabinet ministers is currently being prepared, as well as the long-promised report into the travels of members of the former Christie administration. Last week, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis released a report on his travel to Texas last month. The report revealed the trip cost the government around $37,000.

Mr Newbold also said the Ministry of Environment will “solarise the environs” of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium by installing 9,000 kilowatts of solar panels in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

“The panels will cover the parking area and are designed to withstand 200mph hurricane force winds,” he said. “The contractor and design engineers are on site. This will be done with a grant from the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and the International Renewable Energy headquartered there.”

Mr Newbold also revealed the Ministry of Education is preparing to sign an agreement with BTC for Wi-Fi in the country’s 65 pre-schools.

“The Wi-Fi readiness should immediately capacitate/activate the 340 iPads that are being given to preschoolers,” he said. “Several hundred more will be given to students in September.”