Lack of exploration in Sahtu means less cash for road work

The lack of oil and gas activity in the Sahtu is having an effect on the winter road system that connects the region to the rest of Canada.

In the legislature on Thursday, Sahtu MLA Norman Yakeleya said this winter he's received many complaints about water-filled ice roads and potholes.

"A lot of people are asking, 'Where is the water paving program of this department on the Sahtu winter road?'" said Yakeleya.

John Louison of Fort Good Hope said he broke a strut on his truck when he hit a pothole on the winter road between Fort Good Hope and Norman Wells. He says he was driving 55 km/hr at the time.

"I know most people just...stay off it," says Louison of that stretch of the road. "Right now it's completely rough and barely driveable because it doesn't seem to have been made properly right off the start."

A Transportation official urged people who see problems with the road to report them to the department. John Suwela said problems that are reported are dealt with immediately. He said more snowfall this year led to some rougher driving conditions.

Transportation Minister Tom Beaulieu said that, in the past, oil and gas companies working in the region have contributed to the maintenance of the road. He says last year they contributed $400,000.

There is no drilling happening in the Sahtu this winter.

"This year we didn't get that money until we were able to negotiate a separate deal for less money," said Beaulieu.

Beaulieu said his department has discussed asking the government for more money to maintain the roads.