Contractor shot at Beetham Highway project

Sinanan yesterday said he was deeply concerned after he was informed that two workers with Lutchmeesingh Transport Contractors Limited on the site was shot on Friday night. Police sources also confirmed the incident.

Newsday was informed that the workers are warded at hospital.

Workers also said they were threatened by residents for a ‘cut.’ Sinanan confirmed that work resumed yesterday but with a heavy police presence at the site which will be maintained until the completion of the project.

“Throughout the course of the project we intend to maintain a heavy police present at the worksite. We’ve received complaints from workers and contractors that they won’t return to work until the area is secure so this is something we’re taking very seriously,” he said.

“It’s been reported that contractors are being approached by certain elements from the Beetham for money but we can’t confirm these reports at this time,” he said.

He was hopeful that incident does not affect the completion date for the project since work is being done on weekends to minimise the discomfort for commuters during the week.

Lutchmeesingh’s Transport Contractors Ltd has threatened to withdraw their services from the project unless police can guarantee their protection at the worksite.

The Minister spoke as he continued his tour of the constituencies of East Port-of- Spain, Laventille and Diego Martin.

He said Government was formulating a plan to treat with issues of infrastructural development and roadworks repair within these communities and will continue similar tours throughout all constituencies in Trinidad.

“There are several key challenges to different areas and we’re working to see how best we can treat with these challenges. It’s important that we assess the areas which are in urgent need of infrastructural development.

We’ve already visited six constituencies along the East- West corridor and we intend to continue with our weekend visits to all constituencies,” he said.

Member of Parliament for Port-of-Spain South Marlene Mc- Donald expressed optimism that the tour would yield results and echoed Sinanan’s sentiments that the repair of roads within the community were long overdue and lauded the Works Minister for taking the initiative.

‘’I have already identified several roads and streets in the community of East Port-of- Spain which are in dire need of repair. I’m very optimistic that today’s walk around will be something good for all of the people in Portof- Spain.