And while that’s the health situation, many are asking about the progress on rehabilitating the damaged highways in the south. Like we said, the ministry of works estimates that total storm damages to its infrastructure amount to $25.2 million. A third of that is for the Kendall Bridge, whose 250 foot span was completely washed away. We today discussed the current state of things with the CEO in the Ministry of Works, Cadet Henderson.

Cadet Henderson, CEO – Ministry of Works
“Repairs to the culvert at my miles 17 and miles 23 continues. Some of the work done were temporary just to provide access.”

Jules Vasquez,
Let’s talk first about Middlesex. How soon will that be passable by all types of transport?

Cadet Henderson,
“I believe by this weekend we will be able to stabilize it permanently, providing we don’t get additional showers. The Hummingbird should be okay by this weekend.”

Jules Vasquez,
Kendall Bridge, what right now is the status of that?

Cadet Henderson,
“In regards to Kendall Bridge, we have had approval from the U.S. Government, from the U.S. Department of Defence for them to finance a bridge, a 275 foot bridge which will be a semi-permanent structure – it will be a reusable modular structure and so this bridge will be erected in the vicinity of this same Kendall Bridge and will serve us until the permanent bridge replacement is reinstated. The main permanent replacement, we will try and see if we can get the contractor to do it within a year but a bridge of that magnitude will take more than a year.”

Jules Vasquez,
Now there is also the Mullins River Bridge.

Cadet Henderson,
“There is wisdom in us reinstating that crossing with a structure but maybe not necessarily meeting the requirements of a full two lane bridge.”