Letter to the Editor |30 August 2014

Removal of the old Roche Caïman bridge

I personally commend the actions and steps taken by the government to make available the different new facilities at Roche Caïman to bring more favourable working conditions for the fishermen and other people who ply their trade on the sea.

The facilities will sure serve all the people of the Roche Caïman district and all those people travelling from all directions, for purchase of fish, fruits and vegetables. It will also regenerate the interest and growth of the fishing activities in the area and drive more economic and productive activities. The close access to the new port at Providence and its available facilities will also be of great benefits.

However, to also facilitate free movement of fishing boats, it is time to see into the removal of the remnants of the old Roche Caïman bridge which was damaged by the tsunami in December 2004. This will also facilitate the use of the Roche Caïman lagoon for safe mooring and keeping of boats closer to private properties. This will also improve the flow of water into the lagoon which is being filled by silt deposits and is becoming not deep enough at low tight to offer passage.

I hope that with the current work being carried out on the new Roche Caïman facilities and with the availability of heavy machinery and equipment on site, it will be an opportune time now to remove the old Roche Caïman bridge, unless there are other technicalities and difficulties in the way to perform such task.

Andy Pothin, Plaisance