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Eddie Joyce, Opposition Transportation and Works Critic and MHA for the
District of Bay of Islands, says while he is pleased that Transportation and
Works Minister John Hickey has apparently agreed to fix a dangerous section
of road through the community of McIvers, he will be pressuring government
to do the job right and not in a piecemeal fashion as was done last year.
"I was pleased to hear Minister Hickey’s statements that this dangerous
section of road in McIvers will be fixed," said Mr. Joyce. "It is
unfortunate that it took so long for government to act on this issue,
especially with school busses scheduled to travel on this section of highway
in the coming days. While I have received nothing official from the minister
to confirm these repairs, media reports indicate they are indeed coming. I
am therefore encouraging government to ensure they are done as soon as
possible to avoid any further accidents in this area.
"I am also calling on the minister to make the necessary investment to
ensure the job is done correctly so the highway is not in this same terrible
condition next year. Last year, government undertook a quick patchwork job
that crumbled to its current state. A proper investment would ensure the
problem is fixed and will not happen again in the coming years.
"I am disappointed that Minister Hickey did not contact me to discuss
transportation issues throughout the Bay of Islands while in the area over
the weekend. Now that it appears he recognizes the seriousness of the
situation in McIvers, I am asking him to address other issues I have raised
including the rock walls and gabion baskets on the south shore of the Bay of
Islands. There have already been two accidents on a section of highway in
this area because of rocks falling onto the road. This safety issue also
needs immediate attention from the minister.
"I am still awaiting a response to the letter I wrote Minister Hickey
regarding these and other transportation issues. If he is unwilling to meet
with me to address these concerns, I will continue to apply pressure in the
public. If a news story is what is required to prevent a potential tragic
accident, I will continue to voice my concerns publicly to ensure these
repairs are done."
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