Even though Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley says the PNM has no position on the controversial Point Fortin Highway, MP for Point Fortin Paula Gopee-Scoon is supporting it, saying it will bring real development to the southland. Speaking to reporters at the reopening of the Cedros Breeding Unit yesterday, Gopee-Scoon said:
"I am 100 per cent behind the new highway. That was a PNM project and we are anxiously waiting for its implementation and execution. "It will bring investments to the area and help with transportation and generate the mushrooming of business activities in the southwestern peninsula."
However, Gopee-Scoon had serious concerns about delays and the method of financing. She said: "They are using $7.2 billion to build the highway and this is coming from the Treasury. I don't think it is a proper arrangement. It is better financed by way of a loan.
"T&T is in an excellent financial position in terms of capacity to borrow. If they approached the Inter-American Development Bank, it would have been much more feasible. I am sure the local banking sector would have been willing to participate in a project like that." She also said the highway project reeked of corruption and mis-administration.
She said: "The scope of the project must be revisited and this entire office of the highway should be a more transparent one. "The people who are being displaced, their lives are on hold. I am hearing about some hefty payments being made for properties in Penal." Asked whether she supported the controversial segment from Debe to Mon Desir, Gopee-Scoon said the concerns raised by environmental activist Dr Wayne Kublalsingh were valid.
"I don't want to give a view on whether I support that section. The considerations must be valid. It concerns the environment and it is a serious matter that must be dealt with," Gopee-Scoon said. She said she was happy the Joint Consultative Council decided to stop works for 60 days.
Speaking to reporters while touring the Namdevco market in Debe on Thursday, Rowley said the PNM had not taken a stance for or against the highway. He added: "This is a PNM project. But there were objections to the route and procedures which the Government did not follow and this got Government into hot waters."