Let’s vote for safety to traverse the Bog Walk Gorge

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As Jamaicans prepare to participate in the country’s 19th general election since Adult Human Suffrage granted in 1944, it is imperative that as citizens whose patriotism is to this, the land of our birth and the land we call home, our decisions will not only be beneficial to us now, but to future generations.

I write in reference to the much-debated Bog Walk Gorge in St Catherine. The safety of traversing this roadway was once again brought into high focus when Linton Davis, a 61-year-old labourer of Greater Portmore, St Catherine, became another of its statistics. The country lost another member of its labour force who tragically died following the impact of a boulder that fell off the hillside onto his Isuzu motor truck on Friday August 15,. The reality of this unfortunate incident is without doubt heartbreaking for everyone whether or not we knew Mr Davis personally.

The fact is that whoever has to use the Bog Walk Gorge regularly or occasionally, knows that it is simply not a road to play around with. It is not a road for jolly-ride. It is not a road for sightseeing rather one that should be exited as carefully, as thoughtfully and as quickly as possible. The warnings are clear; multiple vehicles going over the bridge resulting in yearly fatalities, reckless drivers, defective vehicles, water settling in one section of the roadway after heavy rains and reports of the river being polluted by individuals/organizations who should rather be protectors of the environment. All these beg answers to several questions – which if our political and elected representatives were to address, would definitely win our votes of confidence, not just for this eagerly anticipated upcoming general election but others to come.

Just over a year ago I voiced the need to install livestreams along the Bog Walk Gorge to sensitise commuters of activities in the gorge. Thank God for the camera that overlooks the bridge and transmits information to the road users. Great work, but I still believe there is much greater work that should be done.

The Bog Walk Gorge is in need of urgent and dire signage along the entire stretch of road. How about signs about no overtaking, no speeding, deep corner, dangerous and falling boulders, etc? Before Mr Davis’ death, who knew about these boulders? As a frequent user of the Bog Walk Gorge, I am pleading with the responsible individuals to consider us and do something that will result in our safety as we traverse this roadway. As we extend our valuable votes for you, please consider our safety as users of the Bog Walk Gorge.

KENISHA FACEY