Having sustained considerable damage because of the passage of Tropical Depression Earl in 2010, the structural integrity of the wall was undermined and as a temporary remedy, iron jacks were erected to hold the wall in place, with the understanding that it would be repaired soonest.
In a previous interview with MiyVue.com (29th October, 2011), Minister Phillip indicated that a plan had been put in place for the repair of the wall but that plan was delayed firstly because of issue(s) with the Public Works Department (PWD) and then with the tendering process.
Regarding the latter, Minister Phillip indicated that the process had already begun and it was his hope that construction would have begun during the first week in March.
The project however, MiyVue.com understands, began around mid-April and according to Phillip, the tender was given to Allie’s Construction. He also informed that the process of repairing the retaining structure has been completed.
He explained that the condition of the wall, after it was damaged, was of concern to the government and specifically to his ministry because of the risk of injury it posed to the public. Now that it has been restored, that fear has departed.
“Since then the tendering process has been completed Allie’s Construction was awarded the contract the restore the wall or completely take out the wall and now the wall has been completed. It was something that we had always had the money budget for it and so now that it is completed, it is safe to say that persons in the surrounding areas are actually pleased and have no fear.”
MiyVue.com spoke with a number of individuals who have reason to traverse Lozack Road on a regular basis and they all have indicated that they feel safer and more comfortable walking in that area now that the wall has been repaired.