Hon. Hodge says 6th District needs $1million

By Mellica McPherson

Sixth District Representative, Hon. Omar Hodge pleaded at the recent Legislative Council sitting for funds to repair the Johnson's Ghut and  Purcell roads. According to Mr. Hodge, his  District is now the largest in terms of population size, and because of that factor, the area is affected by serious congestion.

Mr. Hodge told the Legislative Council that he was pleased with the motion to borrow money from the Social Security Board, but he hoped that the funds would allow urgent attention to be given to what he described as a vexing problem within the Purcell, Johnson's Ghut area. The problem affecting the 6th District is the overflowing of the Johnson's Ghut, especially after heavy rainfalls. "I think the Minister of Finance should give me at least one million dollars to fix the Ghut", Hon. Hodge said.

 He disclosed that upon his request, the Minister of Communications and Works visited the Ghut, but nothing was done. According to Hon. Hodge, the evidence of the poor state of the Ghut is highly visible whenever there is a funeral in that community. He also pointed out that the road located in Long Trench helps to make the Purcell traffic more chaotic. Hon. Hodge declared, "I want Government to take care of Purcell. It is embarrassing every time I go to a funeral and people ask me, what I am going to do to help the situation." "I have approached the Chief Minister and the Minister of Finance for the Purcell road project. I want them to add that project to their priority list.  We do not have proper roads; there are too many potholes. I hope the Government widens the road."