The Kendal Bridge was swept away by powerful flash floods following the passage of Arthur in 2008. And just about every time there has been a downpour, the Sittee River rises above the temporary causeway at the Kendal crossing on the Southern Highway. But don't hold your breath because on Wednesday, Minister of Works, Anthony Boots Martinez said it would take at least a year before the new one is built.

Anthony "Boots" Martinez, Minister of Works
"The Kendal Bridge should commence early January 2010, based on procedural things that we have to do in regards to access the loan. So that in itself is a process."

Jose Sanchez
"Okay, how much funds are we looking at for the bridge?"

Anthony "Boots" Martinez
"We would look at I think it's about BZ$10 million for Kendal and $5 million - no, about $20 million if I am not mistaken … for ???. I think the loan package for both bridges is US$15 million. So it's about BZ$30 million."

Jose Sanchez
"So at what point next year should they be completed?"

Anthony "Boots" Martinez
"No, that will take 16 months to complete. When it starts, it will take 16 months to complete, so that will be completed in 2011."

Jose Sanchez
"So in the meantime, the residents in the area, commuters just have to - what do they do in the meantime?"

Anthony "Boots" Martinez
"We have the low level bridge there. That is functional throughout the year. The only hitch you will have with that is only when there is massive flooding, the waiting time to cross is between 24 to 36 hours."

Channel 5