Road between Linden and Mahdia in deplorable state

Dear Editor,

The stretch of laterite (bush road) between Linden and Mahdia is in a most deplorable state – the worst I have seen in years. There are potholes as wide as 15 feet and as deep as 3 feet, not forgetting the smaller ones which are very close to each other and spread out over a very long distance. When driving on this road one has to do it in a zig-zag manner to avoid damage to the undercarriage of the vehicle.

Another factor affecting users of that road is security. If the roads are not properly maintained and there is a breakdown, down time can cause the user to be on the road for hours and become the target for bad human elements. Lives and property or both can be lost when using that kind of road.

Editor, was there not a plan to maintain this stretch of road? Some time last year I read in the Chronicle that the sum of $175M was voted to maintain this road, but to date nothing has been done. I am pleading with the Minister of Works to please look into this matter as proper roads mean the boosting of eco-tourism via the roadways, making it safe for our tourists.

I would be happy if this matter could be treated as urgent so we can have happy commuters and economically viable communities.

Yours faithfully,

(Name and address provided)