LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Eggleston Road – a tragedy waiting to happen

A section of the Eggleston Road

We are a group of Eggleston residents who are desperate for help and clarification on the situation of our road because it is a tragedy waiting to happen.

For many years our road has been deteriorating but received only minor repairs.

After Erika, and then after Maria it got significantly worse, to such extent that now it is not only longer and harder to commute, but also causing damage to cars. It now is dangerous to drive on the road.

It is one of the most exposed and difficult to drive roads in the whole country. Big parts of it are narrow and go over unprotected cliff.

After Maria, a narrow stretch of the road is on the verge of collapsing. It is clearly visible that the road has cracked with the ground washed out under the surface.

After Erika, someone extended a warning tape over this area but the tape is long gone and only “maintenance” has been done to this part.

It is a vehicular accident waiting to happen, a bus can be sent 100 yards down the cliff killing all passengers.

We hope that the responsible authorities take action to avoid such tragedy.

Additionally, the surface of this road is in such bad condition that many cars break down.

The potholes are so deep and frequent that it is impossible to maneuver and avoid them.

There were rumors that road is scheduled for a total renovation, yet it received only a few random patches which did not improve the situation.

If this road collapse, it will be very costly and difficult to repair, effectively cutting off our community from Roseau.

There is also another, new problem.

Repairs were started on a small part of the road (which was actually better than some other parts), just below Eggleston (near African House).

The narrow road was shaved in half by an excavator, leaving only one tiny line to drive.

A sign was erected which says “Work in progress”. But this happened almost three months ago, and no real progress is to be seen. No work happens.

The road was compromised by this contractor creating another dangerous spot, and there is no visible end in sight. This contractor is clearly incapable of professionally performing much-needed road enforcement procedure.

Our road is so bad already, and now we have another – human-made mash-up.

This road leads to Eggleston and Giraudel. Also to DOWASCO water catchment, and is connected to the Waitikubuli National Trail, therefore also frequented by tourists.

We hope that you can publish our letter and someone responsible for road maintenance can in person inspect and assess the problems.

Decisions need to be made and real work needs to begin to avoid possible tragedy and much more difficult repairs.

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13 Comments

  1. October 14, 2018

    Lennox don’t have money so leave skerrit alone.it will fix don’t worry

  2. MsD
    October 12, 2018

    Lord hear our plight.

  3. Concerned
    October 11, 2018

    This road is scary and the potholes in there is just ridiculous. They really make everything political. is it because Ambrose lost his seat that they don’t care about the people? this road needs a fix. lives are in danger and cars are having issues almost everyday. Road tax is being paid for reason. Fix it please

  4. Ibo France
    October 11, 2018

    It’s undisputable. This is the most uncaring and unproductive administration. The leadership and the support mechanisms have been an abject failure. It’s just inconceivable that a government can have a well traveled road in such an appalling state of disrepair seriously endangering the lives of motorists, commuters and pedestrians. As long as the government is helmed by Skerrit expect these problems to exacerbate. The PM, his wife and some Cabinet members take plenty of photo-ops and make a wall of noise to perpetuate the illusion that all is well in the country. This is a blatant distortion of the truth. In Skerrit’s Dominica, the well connected thrives and the needy is ignored and dismissed.

  5. It's my damn business
    October 11, 2018

    DNO what is this I see in photo? Is this a picture of a beach with rocks? I sure can’t believe this is a road in this day and age. If this is really a road it’s not good enough for the parlrep to say he sympathize with the people. The man should resign man because he has been the parlrep for 18 years and his government has been in office. I cannot believe that’s what the people have been voting for and even hating one another for. The last time I saw anything like that in Dominica was in the 60’s to early 70’s when we had kerosene lamps aka shall. What a shame! What an embarrassment! DNO it’s been said a picture is worth a thousand words and this one really tells the story of how Skerrit brought us 60 yrs. But DNO for the sake of Dominica and Dominicans residing abroad I strongly suggest that you delete the photos above.

  6. Roseau
    October 11, 2018

    Oh my goodness !! Is there really a Government in Dominica?? I thought the days of donkey roads were over?
    Can someone tell me where is labor working?

  7. Hmmmmmm
    October 11, 2018

    It good for all u……next time vote labor!!!

    • Mr. Ben Dover
      October 12, 2018

      all the more reason to not vote labour. it is your kind of attitude that will allow then to be voted out of power. Instead of victimizing someone for not voting for you like is a punishment, win their hearts by providing adequately not just for them but for all. People like you hmmmmm need a new outlook on that pathetic life we all live here. I call it pathetic because we are NOT living to our full potential as a country and as a people. We are all fighting to survive here and make ends meat [meet]. instead you rather victimize and play prejudice over nonsense politics.

  8. %
    October 11, 2018

    These are not holes but craters.I have heard your legitimate parl rep Joshua Francis called upon the MISLEADERS of the DLP ad nauseum, about the road,but to no avail…Just before election those MISLEADERS will try to see if they can fool you all,by patching the same road for your vote.Reject those MISLEADERS.Discard them!!!!!
    Skerrit is minister of everything.This is how hypocrite he is.Dont vote for smiles and dimples people .This is trickery and deception by a lazy showman.Rejevt him!!!!
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    Lazy Skerrit Must Go Now

  9. Sher -Del
    October 11, 2018

    Omg. This is just something else. We have a similar situation with the road leading to soufriere sputtered and Scottshead. I mean what is the government doing?? They keep saying in the “not too distant future.” But why wait? Wait until something tragic happens or wait until another hurricane comes to deteriorate the road completely?! I Am very disappointed!!

  10. Hurting Heart
    October 11, 2018

    Awa wi. Skerrit and his government have no regards for the country. All he is worrying about is how to win the next election. And then worse happens. My people, can’t you see that Dominica is getting to a point of no return? Why have a government when there’re making things worse for the people? Something to think about.

  11. Nacinimod
    October 11, 2018

    No amount of complaining will help. It is time to start the ball rolling by recruiting villagers to repair the road yourselves. I understand your plight but unless you show a good faith effort to do the work yourself crapaud smoke your pipe.

    • Giruadelian
      October 13, 2018

      We have blocked the larger holes with tarish on our own but as time goes by more holes keep surfacing. So speak of what you know and stop assuming

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