Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the K'atlodeeche Reserve Access Road starts at the junction of Highway No. 5, just by the bridge over the Hay River, running along the east side of the river into the Hay River Reserve. As our only access point to the community when the Hay River is flowing in the summer months, our people rely heavily on the road. The road is our lifeline for seven months and is the only access from the community into the town of Hay River and the rest of the highway system. Mr. Speaker, [English translation not provided.]
As early as March 12th of this year, I made a statement in this House discussing exactly this issue, to which the Minister of Infrastructure committed to continue to have a look at it going forward. Mr. Speaker, it is now October, and we have not seen any improvements. In fact, the road, which was chipsealed in 2010, has completely broken up, and some sections have reverted back to gravel. Conditions have drastically deteriorated. This is a serious issue to our community and an embarrassment when we hosted guests for the annual hand games tournament and the Dene National Assembly this past summer.
Mr. Speaker, the access road is only a few kilometres long, a short stretch to Highway No. 5. I find it perplexing that our First Nations' needs continue to be overlooked. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure later. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.