Despite promises from the Ministry of Works and Transport, the extension of the Solomon Hochoy Highway between Chase Village and Chaguanas will not be completed before the year ends.
That’s according to Minister Rohan Sinanan, as he explained the delay on the $65 million project was due to the weather.
This, however, contradicts his previous assurance that motorists heading to south Trinidad would finally see an ease in traffic congestion before the end of 2024.
Only on December 8, Minister in the Ministry of Works Richie Sookhai also promised the widening of the highway should be completed before the end of this year. He gave this assurance when he attended a children’s treat in Enterprise, Chaguanas. He added then that officials at PURE (Programme for the Upgrade or Road Efficiency) pledged that the road would not suffer any further delays.
But responding to questions at the Piarco International Airport yesterday, Sinanan said, “Everything has to do with the weather. Yes, there was a plan to do it by the end of the year. However, the last report I saw, in the last 30 days, they lost 21 days due to rain. So if you lose 21 out of 30 days obviously your schedule will be affected.”
Sinanan said contractors Junior Sammy and Seereeram Brothers are not to blame for the project not being completed as anticipated.
Asked when the extension of the highway would be finished, Sinanan could not give a definite answer.
He said January 2025 is also expected to be rainy.
This is the second time the project has been delayed.
It was initially scheduled to be completed by August 24.
