John “Cashia Bush” Smuthson, Junior Weed Whacker Operator in Training and Public Relations Officer for PWD (Public Works Department) on behalf of PWD called for a press conference on December 32, 2017. TheManchineel was unable to attend this press conference as we could not determine which day of the week it was, however we reached out to PWD in the New Year.
Mr. Smuthson told us, “Sorry about the December 32 date. It was a typo and it was simply too hard to correct it after we released the announcement.” In addition to this statement the following Press Release was given to use to publish.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Public Works Department
Basseterre, St Kitts
Today PWD announces the eco-road initiative for a greener St Kitts & Nevis. “Eco-Pavement” has been used in parking areas and other areas in Europe for decades. Eco-Pavement consists of concrete cells in which grass is allowed to grow. It requires less material than a full concreted or paved road, allows better drainage, and helps to reduce CO2 pollution.
European Example of Eco-Pave
We wanted to not only use eco-pavement, but we wanted to create a Caribbean initiative and produce our own eco-pavement using local resources. Our local eco-pavement product is called nature-pave and the roads we are building with it we call eco-raods. Several areas around the island have been testing our unique nature-pave concept for several years now with Half Moon area being our prime test bed.
St Kitts Example of Nature-Pave
As you can see, PWD is able to produce the same mixture of grass and concrete, but in a much more efficient manner. “We let nature do most of the work for us.” said Gordon “Five Leaf” Broadshaw, the Horticultural Engineer for PWD. “Residents also are provided with more traction during the rainy season.”
“We’ve even considered the fact that St Kitts is situated in an active earthquake zone and still use rebar as well. The local tire suppliers have also signed on to our eco-road initiative and have been very supportive of our efforts.”
Eco-Road Pilot Area
