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JAM | Sep 25, 2023

China Harbour says theft of fencing compromises safety along Williamsfield leg of highway; appeals for end to dangerous practice

Tamoy Ashman

Tamoy Ashman / Our Today

Reading Time: 2 minutes
The May Pen to Williamsfield leg of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) (Photo: JIS)

China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the contractor for the May Pen to Williamsfield leg of Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP), is urging citizens to cease vandalism and theft of row fencing along the high-speed corridor that poses a safety hazard to motorists.

Since the opening of the highway, motorists have reported the presence of stray animals on the dualised stretch of roadway that makes it dangerous and difficult for them to traverse the area, and increases the likelihood of accidents.

In a statement today, the construction and engineering company said the Williamsfield to May Pen highway is a vital transportation route that was designed to enhance road safety and improve traffic flow. However, it said the ongoing theft and vandalism of row fencing along the highway is a major concern.

“Row fencing plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike. It serves as a protective barrier, preventing accidents and injuries, and provides visual guidance for drivers, particularly during adverse weather conditions or at night. When row fencing is damaged or stolen, it compromises the safety measures put in place to protect road users,” CHEC said in a statement.

The company further condemned the acts of vandalism and called on community members to keep an eye out for suspicious activities along the highway, report any incidents to the authorities and spread awareness about the ongoing issue.

CHEC added that it is committed to the safety of motorists and is working with community members and local authorities to ensure the safety of road users.

The May Pen to Williamsfield leg of the highway was opened on September 14. Since then, there have been two reported accidents. One accident was due to a cattle that wandered onto the highway because of the absence of fencing due to theft. The other accident was due to a blown tire.

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