A biker negotiates around puddles of muddy water in Essex Hall, St. Andrew, last week. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

What's not working?

There is a double dilemma in Essex Hall, situated in the rural hills of St. Andrew. Residents bemoan inadequate potable water as well as unsuitable roads to travel on for more than six years. Some fear this will never change.

Synopsis of situation:

It is not a strange sight to see people positioning sheets of zinc in huge buckets, containers or some sort of water tanks in the area in expectation of rainfall. In fact, this is mainly how much of the residents receive and store water in the community as tap water services are so grossly unreliable.

Lilieth McCarthy, who lives in Essex Hall, said it is time for a change.

"I believe that whenever I turn on my pipe I should be getting water," she said. "I don't think I should be waiting on the rainfall most of the times."

McCarthy added that she received tap water at most three times a week; otherwise, she has to depend on rainfall or a nearby river.

Maxine, a former resident who still visits her aunt in the community, also expressed her disgust at the water and road woes.

"As far as I see it, Essex Hall doesn't exist where the authorities are concerned. We've been forgotten for years and whenever you call them, they may say they will address the problem, but never get around to it," she despaired.

Maxine said she oftentimes has to transport fresh water to her aunt from her home in Kingston. This, she said, also poses another challenge as she has to contend with the ruthless ditches and cracks in the road in trying to reach her aunt's house.

Who's responsible?

The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) and National Water Commission (NWC).

What's the status?

Delroy Hall, road and works superintendent at KSAC, said the council did not know that roads in Essex Hall needed repairs as they received no complaints from the residents or their political representatives. He added that work was done in the area three years ago.

Karen Clacken of the NWC's eastern division said that she would check into the matter and provide Tyrone's Watch with an update. Initial checks, the water agency said, indicated that the supply system was up and running.

Conclusion:

The situation is very puzzling. For one, the roads in Essex Hall, especially the lower section leading to what I would call a 'bushy dead-end', are horrible.

Second, Tyrone's Watch witnessed residents setting up their 'catchment system' with sheets of zinc and water containers in anticipation of rain. So, to hear that there have been no complaints or that water should be running in the community is a bit surprising.

Nonetheless, Tyrone's Watch can assure the authorities that there needs to be a thorough probe into Essex Hall's grouses. So please, do consider a visit to the area and try arranging for a resident of Essex Hall to give you a guided tour.

- Marlon Vickerman