THE Government is deliberately delaying opening the widened Solomon Hochoy Highway to make a grand show on the eve of the general election.
Despite ongoing complaints from a tortured motoring public, the Government has not allowed traffic on the widened lanes from Chase Village to Chaguanas.
Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan and his junior minister Richi Sookhai have offered one explanation after another, and, most recently, there were pledges that the expanded highway would be commissioned at year-end
But there are no firm announced plans for permitting traffic slow on the completed project.
Last August was the official date for the completion of the highway expansion.
Sinanan said at that time that there were still aspects of the project to be completed.
But sources close to the relevant contractors said the works are now completed, and the thoroughfare could be put to public use.
There is widespread speculation that the authorities are delaying the commissioning for a major ribbon-cutting ceremony mere weeks from the upcoming election.
Sookhai is the PNM’s candidate for Chaguanas East, a marginal seat currently held by the UNC’s Vandana Mohit.
Use of the widened highway would provide some relief from the daily North-South traffic nightmare, especially in the crowded Chaguanas area.
The borough’s Mayor Faaiq Mohammed said the traffic congestion has led to increased use of minor roads, which were not designed for heavy vehicle flow.
Some Chaguanas business operators are blaming the traffic mess for reduced Christmas sales, saying that some shoppers are avoiding the popular district because of the road bottleneck.
Some commuters have been reporting on social media of the hours-long traffic hassle they endure, often taking double their usual travel time.
They have been pleading for the launch of the project.
And still, Sinanan and Sookhai have not relented and announced an opening date.
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley is expected to deliver a lofty address at the opening ceremony, proclaiming the Government’s commitment to easing the national traffic burden.
The original cost to taxpayers is $65 million.
It is not known if there are cost overruns in light of the additional time before the widened highway is open to traffic.
