Transport Works and Housing Minister Julian Francis has been losing patience with the contracting firm Dipcon Engineering and their lack of progress on the Windward Highway. As a result Dipcon may find themselves having to pay EC$5,000 every day for damages if they do not complete their work on the Windward Highway by December 13. {{more}}

Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, 16 November, Francis tried to contain his annoyance, but judging from the number of times he has repeated his dissatisfaction with the performance of that engineering firm, it was obvious that he was not pleased with their action.

The ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) has promised to complete the entire Windward Highway before the staging of the next general elections, constitutionally due before June 2006. But there are at least three more phases of the highway to be fixed.

According to Francis, the section from Fancy on the extreme north east section is set to start in the second half of 2005, but given the slothful nature at which the current phase being done by Dipcon is progressing, the elections may become due before the road works are complete.

Francis used the avenue of ministerial statements to air his grouse, no doubt inspired by threats by the Omnibus Association to strike in protest of the road conditions.

The road surfaces have worsened especially during the last two weeks with the persistent downpours of rain. And Dipcon’s tardiness, especially with getting an asphalt machine in action, has worsened the road situation for vehicle owners.