Over-centralised PoS is the problem

THE EDITOR: In September 1998, my published letter to the Editor expressed the torment of driving into and out of Port-of-Spain every morning and evening respectively. Six years of hypotheses, policy and roadworks are demonstrably ineffective since the worsened conditions (based on the point at which traffic becomes a standstill at 6.30 am on both the west-bound and north-bound  lanes of the two major highways) are now an undisputed record of statistical time-series reality.

My letter in 1998 ended with the statement, “If my company opens a branch office in Cedros, I would clamour for the opportunity to be transferred there, only to avoid the intolerable daily torture of facing the East-West Corridor every sickening morning and evening.” It has never been a question of too many cars or the need for wider roads bottle-necking en route to the capital city. The issue has always been, and time has borne me out, the unbelievable degree to which Port-of-Spain is and continues to be ultra-centralised. I am now vindicated at the highest level — nature. But not proud of it.

Without heed to consequences, the city is the focal point of additional structures and the forced destination of thousands and growing numbers of commuters. Now, the rains come and the ultimate tragedy ensues — loss of life. Port-of-Spain clearly cannot support the continuous developmental demands being made on it, and it is simple folly that solutions are being proffered to make entry and egress easier when recent history has demonstrated that it is not only ineffective, but dangerous to treat that city as the only viable location for growth. Is the undesirable impact of mere rainfall — flooded roads, mud precipitate, overflowing rivers and loss of human life — not reason enough to see that?

GLEN HULL, MBA  (Alberta)
Chaguanas