THA Justifies Roundabout

Hilton Sandy
Secretary for the Division of Infrastructure & Public Utilities  

In a media breifing last week, Secretary for the Division of Infrastructure and Public Utilities as well as two Engineers spoke at length about the 4 million dollar roundabout which would be constructed at the Aukenskeoch junction. 

During the briefing, Secretary Hilton Sandy and his team justified the roundabout. Dr Rae Fulonge and Engineer indicated that the intersection at the junction is wide and as such the roundabout is the better choice in solving both the problem of traffic and accidents. 

Last week the Tobago Organisation of the People condemned the planned roundabout, insisting that a traffic light system would better serve the public. However, Dr. Fulonge disagreed and ruled out among other suggestions a traffic light system.

The roundabout would be double lane and consideration was given to the size of the intersection and drainage. Engineers accompanying the Secretary further said that the roundabout has met international standards. 

Moreover, they believe that at the end every one would be satisfied. Construction of the Roundabout should take approximately 3 months. 

TOP Disagrees With PNM's Roundabout

Tobago Organisation of the People Chairman,
Mr. Lionel Coker 

The People's National Movement (PNM) lead administration have indicated and initiated action in creating a roundabout at the Aukenskeouch junction- Tobago. However, the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) have expressed their disapproval in such a move, and have suggested that a traffic light system would  better serve the motoring public. 

TOP's chairman, Lionel Coker congratulated the Secretary for the Division of Infrastructure and Public Utilities for attempting to implement measures that would alleviate the number of road carnage that are experienced at the junction. However, Coker continued by saying more planning should be done, given the magnitude of the project they are about to undertake. 

Further, Coker emphasized that the TOP doesn't believe a roundabout is the best solution, and suggested that the Division should "synchronize and integrate the intervention at Aukenskeouch junction with the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Old Milford Road that is soon to be undertaken in the Lambeau area. 

The TOP is also recommending that the east bound lane from Aukenskeouch junction to Scarborough be extended a further 50m for safer merging of traffic coming out of the Carnbee area. Coker indicated that the issue is a major one and should be critically examined. 

TOP is now calling on all stakeholders to voice their opinion on the construction of the roundabout at Aukenskeouch.