The Works and Transport Ministry has responded to a protest by taxi drivers and residents along the Manzanilla/Mayaro Bypass Road today.

On July 28th 2023, work officially began on a permanent solution for the road, after flood damage last year.

The Ministry says three of five packages under Phase One of the project have been awarded, with works taking place to maintain, clear and grub the area, as well as to stockpile material.

In the coming weeks, it says there will be additional work to construct a culvert crossing and excavate failed areas.

The Ministry insists this is an extensive project with unique environmental challenges, and will require a wide scope of works including raising the roadway and installing culverts, flap gates and earthen drains for the water flow from the wetlands.

It also maintains that it is open to dialogue with concerned residents and advises that protests will only result in further delays.

During the demonstration this morning, taxi drivers and residents said they were frustrated with having to spend thousands of dollars to repair their vehicles due to the road’s poor condition.

Meanwhile, Mayaro MP Rushton Paray attributed the protest to a lack of communication concerning road repairs.

(Photo credit: Works and Transport Ministry, Facebook)