This drain on Pacific Boulevard in Seaview Gardens, St. Andrew, is a constant source of pain for motorists and is notorious for starting floods and making the roadway impassable. - photos by Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

WHAT'S NOT WORKING?

Driving on the roads in Seaview Gardens in St. Andrew is no bed of roses. Bad does not even begin to describe the poor state of the roads in this community.

SYNOPSIS OF THE SITUATION:

Chesterfield Avenue is the thoroughfare that leads from Spanish Town Road into Seaview Gardens. It is in very poor state. Skilful driving would help a motorist avoid the early onslaught of potholes.

Upon reaching a bend, the name of the road changes to Pacific Boulevard. As Pacific Boulevard winds deeper into the inner-city community, the worst it gets. The first monstrosity our news team came across was a dreadfully-damaged drain that spans the width of the road. A few of the metal coverings, which are supposed to be there to allow motorists to drive across, were missing. And, to top it off, an offensive stench emanated from the drain that would upset even the most tolerant nostril.

The poor and dangerous state of the drain has reduced that section of the road to single lane traffic. Motorists have to queue up and wait their turn to drive across on the few metal coverings that are left.

The residents said that the drain has been in that shape for more than three years. Another resident added that when it rains, the road is rendered impassable and motorists are forced to take an unofficial detour.

A section of Atlantic Boulevard was recently repaired. One resident theorised that they were being punished for their political affiliation. Another resident said that they were told that no more money was available to repair the rest of the road. Generally, the roads in Seaview Gardens are in very, very bad shape.

WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?

Left: A motorist slowly and carefully makes his way along the deplorable Atlantic Boulevard in Seaview Gardens, St. Andrew. Right: Atlantic Boulevard in the community of Seaview Gardens, St. Andrew, is in desperate need of repairs. Many of the roads in the Kingston 11 community are in a deplorable state.

The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) said it is responsible for Pacific and Atlantic boulevards.

WHAT'S THE STATUS?

Norman Shand, city engineer at the KSAC, said he knew that the roads in the community were bad but could not comment on the extent of the damage. He was also unable to say when the roads would be fixed and bemoaned that the efforts of the KSAC are being hampered by a dearth in funding. However, he pledged that his team would have a look at the drains and see what can be done about replacing the metal coverings. Shand said that a drain-cleaning exercise was conducted in the area in June of this year.

CONCLUSION:

I think Jamaicans are reasonable people. Good roads, job opportunities, access to good education and justice represent the lion's share of what they are really asking for from their elected representatives.

Any government that refuses or fails to provide these basic things should be given a failing grade. More members of the public need to step up to the plate and demand accountability from all elected officials and public servants.

Seaview Gardens, like so many other communities across the island, are screaming for help. Will somebody, anybody please help? The Member of Parliament for the area is O.T. Williams.

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 Limited, 7 North Street, P.O. Box 40, Kingston; Fax: 922-6223, Telephone: 922-3400 Ext. 6364 or E-mail: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com.