Traffic lights on home stretch before blinking

 

The project was stalled after the contractors were unable to have parts shipped in time to meet the Ministry’s deadline.

 

In a recent SKNVibes interview, Minister of Public Works, Hon. Ian Liburd confirmed the delay.

 

“When we investigated it, there was some control equipment which are electronic equipment, which were being put on, or being booked as cargo to be onboard the American Airlines passenger service which comes here on a daily basis.

 

“I am advised that they were shipped from California down to Miami. Once it got there, the shippers were advised that American Airlines would require Homeland Security approval to load the nature of such cargo.”

 

Contacted today, the Minister confirmed that the control panels have arrived on the island, adding that “they (contractors) should be about completing the installation process”.

 

Upon confirmation of the completion of the installation, the Minister confirmed that a date for the commissioning of the signal lights would be published.

 

However, the Minister stated that the laws to govern the lights are still with the attorney general’s office, and that is expected to be passed before the launch of the traffic lights, which SKNVibes understands could be done by the end of this month to early February.

 

Many had questioned the installation of the lights and laws surrounding their operations, but the Minister recently disclosed that the Traffic Department had taken some time to have them submitted and sent to the AG’s office.

 

Upon full review, the laws would then be tabled in Parliament before becoming operational.

 

“The AG is still looking at the regulations which are to be put in place, and those would be finalized prior to the launching of the lights.

 

The government moved to install the lights as a means of controlling the flow of traffic in the heart of Basseterre.

 

However, they have confessed that the lights would not solve the congestions, but it would assist in having a scientific approach to deal with the growing traffic problem.

 

Currently, traffic lights are installed at three strategic junctions: Fort and Cayon Streets; Bay Road and Fort Streets; and Bakers Corner and Pond Road.