The Official Opposition wants government to make sure all costs are covered after the community of Boyd’s Cove had their artesian well damaged by the highway maintenance division a year-and-a-half ago.
PC Leader Tony Wakeham was referencing a letter sent to government by Boyd’s Cove local service district chairperson Bruce Mercer.
The letter states that the damage happened on August 1, 2023, and since that time government has shown “little or no concern” for what happened.
He explains that the province’s insurance company offered a settlement of $10,000, which is far less than the over $18,000 it would take to fix the issue.
When Wakeham raised the issue in the House of Assembly, he referenced what the community interprets as the company’s response which as outlined in the letter, and states that the town could have a “cold plate or burger sale” to make up the difference.
Wakeham is asking government to pay for the repairs.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure says officials have been engaged in “constructive dialogue with the town” on the issue.
“They will have a new well drilled this spring when conditions are suitable,” an official said in a statement to VOCM News.
They noted the $10,000 was an up-front payment toward the well replacement, with an assurance from the department that the remainder will follow, once the well is drilled and final costs are known.
