BY ELGIN TAYLOR, STAR Writer
THE TOLL BELLS rang when the Portmore leg of Highway 2000 opened on July 15.
The question as to whether the Government and the residents could reach a consensus regard-ing the amount of toll to be paid arose even after the Government cushioned the impact on the citizens of Portmore by way of a subsidy. However, no one knows yet how far the use of taxpayers' money to subsidise this venture will impact on everyone.
However, one thing is certain, the large block of electors in the Sunshine City cannot be ignored, and the ruling People's National Party (PNP) has been in damage-control mode. This does not bode well for the party when pitted against the state of its internal politics and the widely-held view that we are in an election year.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE
At the crux of the matter has been the provision of an appropriate alternative route for the residents. The residents have argued that the designated Mandela Highway is unsuitable in its present form, and are demanding major overhaul to this road and those within Portmore itself. Some persons have contended that, notwithstanding the intention of the Government to assist in this regard, there is very little land space in which to manoeuvre in order to effect meaningful repairs on the Mandela Highway.
The citizens of Portmore have also blamed the Government for the lack of transparency in this whole sordid affair. They would have liked to have been consulted when the idea for the project was being conceived. They claim that this was not done. Now their lives are to be affected financially, socially and emotionally in ways yet to be determined.
The stage has been set for a political fallout and the People's National Party knows this. The majority of Portmore residents feel shafted. And, notwithstanding the Government's victory in the courts, it appears that this impasse is set to remain for some time yet.The Government is moving, but do they have Asafa Powell's speed? Are they employing the subtlety, tact, and sensitivity that this matter requires? Only time will tell.
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