Upper Aranjuez Council pleads for upgraded bridge

Members of the Upper Aranjuez Village Council are threatening to take action they consider “necessary,” if they fail to receive an adequate response from the Minister of Works and Transport, Franklyn Khan. In a letter dated July 30, the Council wrote to the Minister explaining that they had previously written to him on November 27, 2003, requesting assistance in building a two-lane bridge across the San Juan River, near the Aranjuez Savannah. The group claims that after Khan responded to the letter on December 8, 2003, saying that the request had been forwarded to the Permanent Secretary (Works) and the Chief Bridges Engineer, no form of communication was received.

The Upper Aranjuez Council claims that the single lane bridge, which now exists, is used frequently by commuters to connect the Eastern Main Road, the Churchill Roosevelt Highway and surrounding  areas. The bridge is used regularly during the periods of 7-9 am and 3-6 pm from Mondays to Fridays. The group claims that with this traffic, the bridge shakes making it difficult to cross, especially for farmers with animal-drawn transport. It is the suggestion of the Council that police officers be stationed on the route during these times to help with traffic control. It is also the recommendation of the group that Johnny King Road be opened unto the Churchill Roosevelt Highway to help with the traffic congestion.

The group also recommended that the ministry build sidewalks along Coronation Street, Estate Road and Savannah Street, as this would help pedestrians in getting to and from the savannah. In addition, they suggested that retaining walls be erected on the banks of the San Juan River, between the Aranjuez Vedic School and the river bridge, as there is constant erosion taking place, including around the homes of several residents. The group is pleading with the Minister to give the matter urgent attention, and if this is not done within the next two months, they stated that they would be forced to: “take action that the residents deem necessary to highlight our frustration and suffering.”