The protests in Penal on the outskirts of the prime minister’s constituency began at dawn on Monday, but by nightfall the once slushy road had a fresh coat of asphalt.
Residents cheered saying it was the first time they had seen a road paved so quickly. It’s been months since the residents were complaining of excessive dust and slush at Suchit Trace, Penal.
When residents began developing respiratory problems and skin rashes, they took their plight to the National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (Nidco) outreach centre. They also begged Oropouche West MP Stacy Roopnarine and Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal for assistance.
However, resident Chabinath Ramnanan said no help was forthcoming.
Early Monday, before students woke up to prepare for school, the residents dragged barricades across the street and set it afire.
Heaps of tyres were also placed close to an underground Petrotrin gasline and set ablaze. Firefighters responded quickly and averted potential disaster.
Community activist Edward Moodie yesterday said he was thankful that the road had finally been paved.
However, he said, the pavements were still caked with slush.
“We want the contractor to wash down the pavements because students use it every day to walk to school.”
Meanwhile, president of Nidco Dr Carson Charles said anyone with complaints should go to the outreach centre.
He said any calls for health-related compensation should be made to OAS Construtora, the main contractor on the $7.4 billion highway construction project.
“Nidco is responsible for employing the contractor and making sure that the job is completed.
“If people have claims they should make it against the contractor,” said Charles.
Roopnarine said yesterday that the road was paved in 2011 but the heavy traffic relating to the highway had damaged the surface.
She said Suchit Trace was a major alternative which took traffic off the SS Erin Road.