North Coast Road remains closed

THE North Coast Road will remain closed indefinitely following more landslides on Monday night. According to reports, following heavy rains there were several landslides along the coastal road blocking off entry from Arima and Maraval. This follows similar occurrences last Wednesday when six villages along the road were completely marooned and devoid of basic amenities such as water, electricity and foodstuff, because of the impassable roadway. Several workmen with machinery from various government agencies worked overnight for days to clear the debris from the road and bring relief to the residents.

On Monday, Senior Superintendent of Police Waldron Bishop declared that while the roads has been cleared, only allowing residents entry, it will remain closed for two days after which a decision will be taken for it to be re-open. The officers feared the danger of further landslides and innocent commuters being injured. Later that night there were more landslides and while at lunchtime the roadway was again cleared, it remains closed indefinitely to all outside traffic.

When contacted, chairman of the North Coast Regional Council confirmed the landslides and the threats of more, and supported the continued closure of the road until the landslides can be stopped. He also commended the government agencies and their workers for the quick work they did in bringing back the affected areas to some state of normalcy. The villages of Rincon, Maracas, Las Cuevas,  La Fillette, Blanchisseuse and Brasso-Seco all lie along the North Coast Road.