A dirt road leading to Duck Pond and Lawyers Mountain in Montserrat has now been paved, allowing for safer and quicker access for farm vehicles and hikers.
About 840 feet at the end of Duck Pond Road was resurfaced during the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment’s EC$250,000 project, which began last summer.
This will enable farmers to enhance productivity and contribute to the island’s food security efforts through better access to farmland, a ministry press release said on 9 April.
The area has long faced challenges due to inadequate infrastructure, particularly in terms of road access.
“This lack of accessibility posed significant barriers to agricultural productivity which has adversely impacted the island’s ability to achieve food security,” the ministry said.
Before the project began, the condition of the road was “deplorable”, it added, hindering farmers’ ability to transport goods and access their farmlands efficiently.
Minister Crenston Buffonge said his ministry remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture and foster economic growth for all residents in Montserrat.
Duck Pond Road, which is used to access Montserrat Community College and the Montserrat Animal Protection Society shelter, leads off Salem Road in Olveston to the east.
Only part of the road was previously paved with a winding dirt track continuing through farm allotments and ending at Duck Pond and a hiking trail.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was altered at 11.50am on 11 April to include the location of the road.
