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3.5 Deputy S.G. Luce of St. Martin of the Minister for Transport and Technical Services regarding repairs to the area near Pine Walk in St. Martin :
Given that it is now over a year since the subsidence occurred below the Pine Walk in St. Martin , can the Minister inform the Assembly whether this important road has been properly stabilised and, if not, would he explain the reasons for the delay?
Deputy K.C. Lewis of St. Saviour (The Minister for Transport and Technical Services):
Transport and Technical Services are responsible for the road and seawall immediately adjacent to Pine Walk, with the Environment Department responsible for the embankment and the walks in between. My department has been providing advice and assistance with regard to the stability of these works. This section of embankment has not been fully stabilised and further investigation and design works are continuing. In February 2013, there was a rock fall and land slip along the footpath from Archie Rondel to St. Catherine due to the heavy rainfall and high tides. The Environment Department closed the footpath and in May 2013 a section of rock fall stabilisation was completed, however when the landslip material was removed it was discovered that further works were required. Further site investigation and analysis have now been carried out with a final report and recommendation due shortly. Initial estimates for the repair cost are between £300,000 and £350,000. The Environment Department will need to identify funding if permanent repairs are to be progressed.
- The Deputy of St. Martin :
Regardless of who is responsible for this work, would the Minister agree with me that getting these repairs done are absolutely essential, especially given that the ground appears to be still unstable, as he says. Indeed it is still possible to stand on the road and insert your arm into a fissure in the soil alongside.
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
Absolutely. There will be further and progressive collapses if this is not remediated. Ultimately the road will fail, it is therefore essential that the Environment Department secure funding for these repairs as soon as possible.
- Connétable D.W. Mezbourian of St. Lawrence :
As Members know, there were some problems on Mont Felard last year with land subsidence. I know that landowners have approached me to ask whether there is the possibility that T.T.S. or the States could provide a loan to those landowners to enable them to undertake the works necessary to stabilise their properties. Has the Minister had any discussion with the Minister for Treasury and Resources about the possibility of doing this?
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
The Constable raises an interesting point. I would be more than happy to discuss it with the Minister for Treasury and Resources.
- The Deputy of St. Martin :
This work on the Pine Walk is extremely important. The risk is not only the loss of the footpath but also potentially, far more importantly, the loss of the road. Will the Minister commit to working together with others at the utmost speed to resolve this issue and will he further seek the necessary funding if he needs it at the very earliest opportunity?
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
I agree absolutely. In fact my department is working with the Environment Department to proceed with this as soon as possible.