The Ministry of Housing and Water will soon commence road rehabilitation and drainage works to the tune of $67 M in David Rose and Green Heart Streets and Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt Gardens.

This announcement was made during a meeting with residents of the area earlier this evening.

Minister of Housing and Water, the Hon. Collin Croal, Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing & Planning Authority, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves and a team from the Community Development and Projects Departments engaged with the residents, following complaints on the state of the roads in the area.

At the commencement of construction for the Mandela Avenue to Eccles Four-lane Highway a commitment was made to maintain and rehabilitate project affected thoroughfares during and after the lifespan of the project.

With the completion of the highway and the necessary studies and assessment, Minister Croal said a decision has been made to rehabilitate, David Rose Street, Green Heart Street and a section of Caneview Avenue. These thoroughfares he noted are the ones mostly affected and are in dire need of repairs. While thanking the residents for their patience and tolerance during the construction of the highway, the Minister noted that it is only fair that the Ministry honors its commitment made. As such he pointed out that a combined total of 590 meters of roads will be reconstructed and rehabilitated to asphaltic surface. In some areas, drains which were blocked will be excavated and parapets graded.

In addition, Mr. Greaves noted that in the coming weeks the agency will be conducting public consultations for other infrastructure development work in the South Ruimveldt Garden and Park areas. He noted that this is in keeping with a promise made by His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali for the rehabilitation of the drainage systems in the community.

Meanwhile, residents were also given the opportunity to raise their concerns. Residents called for the re-installation of fire hydrants, the widening of the roads and clearing of a community playground. Also, residents have called on the authorities to aid in the management of heavy-duty truck and heavy traffic passing through the area. Residents, also took the opportunity to laud the Ministry on the announcement of the road works, noting that though it will take some time, the relief to be seen from the rehabilitation will be much welcomed.