Urgent repairs needed for Narinejit Trace

THE EDITOR: I am writing with regards to the urgent repair that needs to be done to Narinejit Trace, Mon Desir, Oropouche. I have approached the county councillor for the area, Mr Seebaran Santokie on numerous occasions, and the Minister of Transport and Works, Mr Franklin Khan. Yet, nothing has been done, which begs the question, is any consideration given when an urgent request is made for the most basic amenity needed to be provided for the development and enhancement of the lives of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. Is this how we expect to achieve our Vision 2020 objectives?

The villagers have also signed a petition to have the “trace” repaired. This road has numerous potholes (as seen in the photographs), and is extremely problematic for motorists and school children who use this road every day. It is an especially difficult challenge to enterprising individuals who operate at Hexagon Chemicals Limited, and need this roadway to access the plant and transport raw materials and finished products. This plant offers employment to scores of individuals. Recently the factory has been maliciously attacked by arsonists who have carried out a callous and unscrupulous act in trying to recklessly burn down Hexagon Chemicals on December 26, 2004. However, the brilliant and valiant work of the Mon Repos Fire and Police stations averted a disaster and loss of the plant and jobs.

This act would have taken away my livelihood and deprive scores of Trinidad and Tobago citizens of their daily livelihoods as well. This is not the first time that such acts of sabotage have been orchestrated by unruly, lawbreaking people. Instances such as the disconnection of the factory telephone line, the spiteful placement of nails and sharp objects on the road that punctured several tyres of trucks have been linked to a handful of individuals who wish to draw attention to the state of the road. The fact of the matter is that the road was never properly constructed and has been ignored by all authorities who are responsible for its repair. Up to now no one has been arrested but all indications are that there are villagers in the area who feel that they own the road, and can be so barbaric in carrying out these actions to try and subject us to this unwarranted behaviour. How can the economy grow or develop under such conditions?

In light of the commendable “20/20” vision of making Trinidad and Tobago a developed first world country, the provision of basic infrastructure such as a proper access road to service a factory that produces and provides locally demanded products is a very essential requirement. I am certain that you are aware of what any business needs to flourish: accessible roads, trained labour, electricity, water, telephones and motivated entrepreneurs. Other government incentives would also be welcomed. Instead of assisting local entrepreneurs in an efficient timely manner, they are bombarded with calls for providing jobs for locals and funding for social projects without any consideration for how such enterprises can be nurtured so they can be of even greater benefit to the entire society. In addition to this, they are constantly targeted by criminals and also face the challenge of operating under less than ideal conditions.

Is that the environment in which factories in Trinidad and Tobago have to operate in order to make an invaluable contribution for the Trinidad and Tobago economy? I would very much appreciate it on behalf of myself, the staff and the villagers of Narinejit Trace, Mon Desir, Oropouche, that urgent repairs be done to this road. Please treat this as an urgent matter before other constructive entrepreneurs are discouraged from making their contribution to the development of business in this country. I hope that my plea has attracted your attention and that of concerned authorities. I really hope that it has not just fallen on deaf ears. Perhaps, I should thank you in advance for your attention and kind consideration with regards to this matter, and I am looking forward to an early response.

LATIFF RAMATALLY
Director of Hexagon Chemicals