by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN) Efforts are being made for an official from the St. Kitts Public Works Department to travel abroad to receive training in traffic signal technology, explained Mr George Gilbert, Director at the St. Kitts Public Works Department.
Gilbert did not disclose the name of any person for the training but shared the importance of having someone trained in traffic light maintenance.
“What we are trying to do at this stage, we’re trying to send an officer from Public Works overseas for training in the monitoring [and] adjusting of these lights. So, in case there is an incident or accident, he can stand in the court and actually be an expert witness,” said Gilbert during InFocus on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis decided to install traffic lights in seven junctions in Basseterre. However, six lights were commissioned in March 2022. The seventh traffic light system located at Bird Rock and Bay Road intersection was delayed due to concerns raised by a business owner who envisioned potential negative impacts on business operations. The lights were commissioned in February 2023.
Based on Gilbert’s recollection, the second commissioning phase appears to be in good standing with the business owner, as no complaints were communicated.
“We had some delay in turning on one of the lights, and we actually met with a property owner a few times, and we had some discussions, and we made some adjustments to the roadwork, to the light infrastructure and I haven’t heard any complaint; so I think that is working okay.”
Host of InFocus Ian Richards questioned the probability of traffic evaluations taking place and raised a widespread concern regarding the proximity of the traffic lights to each other on the Bay Road. Mr Gilbert agreed that an assessment would be conducted, but no timeline was given.
