Rushing river blocks access to lone North Leeward Bypass Road

On Thursday morning, April 24,2025, some time before 6:00 a.m, residents of North Leeward awoke to the unfortunate realisation that their daily routines would be disrupted due to flooding of the Cumberland River, which rendered the sole by-pass road, designed to facilitate travel to and from North Leeward, impassable.

This road currently serves as the only connection to Kingstown for the residents of the constituency.

When the bypass road was constructed, there were concerns among residents living in proximity to the river regarding the height of the bridge, which was perceived to be too low to accommodate a the flow of the river known for its tendency to overflow its banks.

The bypass road was established near the VINLEC hydro-power plant to serve as an alternative route while the main road was under repair, addressing longstanding issues, including gaping potholes that had necessitated its closure.

Although some residents attempted to use the main road, which reopened later that morning, they faced various challenges, including sections of the road breaking apart and becoming unstable, according to a resident’s report.

Ultimately, the road was cleared by the Roads, Buildings, and General Services Authority (BRAGSA), thus facilitating easier passage, despite the water remaining high, though not breaching the river’s banks and covering the bridge.