It’s not often the Ministry of Highways is criticized for fixing a road, but that is what’s happening with a 20 kilometere stretch of Highway 22 between Southey and Cupar. The project, which was $2.2 million to resurface and seal, has residents saying the road is even worse than before. Dr. Justin Kristjansson, a veterinarian who recently opened a facility along the highway, says the condition of the road has become a common complaint. “That’s everyone’s first comment, is the state of this highway right now and we commute it every day. We live right off the highway as well and for the last number of years, this section of it wasn’t that bad,” he said. Other residents near Markinch are also voicing their concerns. “It needs to uphold a higher standard, and not to be downgraded to a gravel road, [it’s] worse than a gravel road,” said Markinch area resident Aimee Baragar. “It’s like they patched 10 feet and 30 feet [of it] is damaged, so it seems to be evolving but not progressing,” said Markinch area resident Jeff Lorenz. The Saskatchewan NDP has also criticized the project, arguing the money has been wasted. “Some of the contractors that were working on this project in the summer sharing with locals that the project was doomed to fail,” said NDP MLA Trent Wotherspoon. In a written statement, the Minister of Highways said he’s heard the concerns and is taking action. He adds, “the project remains on track, with final surface treatment expected this fall, weather permitting. Our focus is on getting the work completed properly...” With highway construction season coming to an end, area residents don’t know how much more work will be done on the road this fall. They hope the government comes back in the spring with a better plan.
