Phillips concerned about stray animals on new highway leg

Opposition Spokesperson on Transport and Works, Mikael Phillips, says the non-completion of the perimeter fencing along the recently opened May Pen to Williamsfield leg of Highway 2000 has placed motorists at risk of collision with stray animals.

He called for the Government to immediately address the danger.

In a statement today, Phillips said he has received several reports and personally witnessed the dangerous situation.

The opposition spokesperson said if the situation is not addressed immediately, it would be irresponsible to keep the highway open to motorists at the risk of damage and death.

He said the minister with responsibility for highways, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, should instruct the National Road Operating and Construction Company (NROCC) to order the construction company, China Harbour, to correct the situation.

“We have a tendency to act only after a disaster has occurred and the hazard posed by the numerous stray animals will undoubtedly lead to accidents, if corrective action is not taken by the authorities,” he said.

Phillips also called on the National Works Agency to exercise its functions under the Main Roads Act to protect the lives of Jamaican motorists. 

He also reminded the Municipal Corporations of Clarendon and Manchester that they had a duty to impound animals which stray onto roadways.

He noted that there have been several fatal accidents this year involving stray animals, including one which took the life of a young police officer.

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