Left: Two children carefully avoid the potholes along the road in the Chovey Housing Scheme.   A section of the potholed-riddled road that leads to the Chovey Housing Scheme, St. Thomas. - photos by Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

WHAT'S NOT WORKING?

Once again, the almost exhausted, yet undying plea of residents regarding the dire need for proper roads in their community is again on the agenda.

The problem is obviously continuing on its all-time high, a high as profound as generations of unfulfilled political promises. This week's cry comes from within the Chovey Housing Scheme in the eastern parish of St. Thomas.

SYNOPSIS OF THE SITUATION:

Travelling in the Chovey Housing Scheme is a painstaking experience for many residents. Mary, who has lived in the community for 30 years, recalls repairs being done to the road only twice.

"The last time an attempt was made to fix the road was some time ago when the councillor, Michael Hugh, came around here and throw some marl on the road," Mary said. "That didn't last long because as soon as the heavy rains came, the road went back to square one."

Mary also said that when there is a heavy downpour the entire roadway is submerged. Although frustrated, the residents are still hopeful. "I wouldn't mind if I woke up tomorrow and saw the parish council fixing the roads," said Michael Bryan, another Chovey resident.

Mr. Bryan believes that if the poor state of the road is not addressed soon, residents will have to dig deeper into their pockets and purses to pay for transportation.

"Sooner or later the taxi operators are either going to start charging extra, or stop coming in here altogether, they are already complaining about the road condition."

Oswald, a taxi operator from the area, said he does not frequent the Chovey road. Whenever he does, he sees it meriting an additional charge.

Although taxi operators are not charging the residents extra for their faithful services, he said that it is quite justifiable for them to require an extra fare for plying that route.

Aretha Smith, who has lived in the area for more than 25 years, said that several lobbies have been made to the parish council regarding the road. However, other than the marl being thrown on the pothole- ravaged surface, 'there isn't any money in the kitty' is the response they often get.

WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?

St. Thomas Parish Council.

WHAT'S THE STATUS?

Richard Clarke, superintendent of roads and works at the St. Thomas Parish Council, said repairs are expected to begin this month.

"The councillor made some representation and we recently received some money to do some patching work on the road," he said. "The project should get underway in another two weeks," he pledged.

CONCLUSION:

Last week, we reported that taxi operators were charging extra for travelling on bad roads, 'cliched' term these days. This was a close call. On another note, irrespective of how 'played-out' the issue of people demanding good roads may seem, this will always be in the media for as long as the need exists. It is as basic, important and irreplaceable a necessity as the need for water.

Two weeks ago, while conducting well-needed repairs on roads in New Longville, Clarendon, the tractor broke down. The parish council said the work should resume in two weeks. We do hope that Chovey residents will not suffer a similar delay in having their roadways repaired. We will see in two weeks time.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Tell us about problems in your community. We will visit and help to lobby for action. Write to: Tyrone Reid, the Gleaner Company Ltd., 7 North Street, P.O. Box 40, Kingston; Fax: 922-6223, Telephone: 922-3400 Ext. 6364 or Email:tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com.

Written by Marlon Vickerman, Gleaner Writer