Left: A resident of Somerset in East Rural St. Andrew shows The Gleaner how residents perilously walk on the side of the hill that was once the major thoroughfare that leads to Ramble in St. Thomas. A slip could result in death. Right: The Gleaner's vehicle wading through the Yallahas River after touring Somerset in East Rural St. Andrew. These are good times to cross the river. However, when the rain comes and the river swells such a feat would be impossible. - PHOTOS BY IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WHAT'S NOT WORKING:
The major roadway that connects the residents of Somerset in the hills of East Rural St. Andrew to the rest of Jamaica was extensively damaged in 2004 by rains associated with Hurricane Ivan. The following year, the relentless rainfall associated with hurricanes Dennis and Emily washed away a huge chunk of the road. Now, there is no evidence to even suggest that a road once spanned the area.
SYNOPSIS
Residents are screaming for help. The major thoroughfare no longer exits. However, some residents still perilously use the devastated path. It is as if they are walking in mid-air on the side of the mountain, as they carefully and skilfully walk in a foot track that they have paved.
Two of the alternate routes available are a little footbridge and the parochial road, which both run across the Yallahs River. Therefore, when it rains and the unruly river swells, residents are cut off.
A giant-sized pipeline that runs above and across the Yallahs River is another alternative for the brave at heart.
The residents made it abundantly clear that the faint-hearted need not attempt to try that route. Another long route exists through the hills, but it is for the physically fit.
Residents said that students have been forced to be absent from school for months because they are not able to leave the community. Frustrated farmers fumed that their produce has spoiled as there is no way to get it out of the community. In cases of emergency, makeshift rafts are made to transport the sick across the Yallahs River.
WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?
Joseph Hibbert, Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Member of Parliament for the area, told The Gleaner that the matter is in the hands of the National Works Agency (NWA), which falls within the purview of Ministry of Transport and Works.
WHAT'S THE STATUS?
Mr. Hibbert told The Gleaner that the NWA is now contemplating the best route for the new road because the old route is not an option due to the extent of the damage.
The MP admitted that because of the degree of the devastation done to the road, it is not the easiest place to rebuild a roadway. However, he said he has attempted to keep the issue alive by writing several letters to and placing numerous phone calls to the NWA. When The Gleaner contacted C. Cameron from the NWA, a member of the team dealing with the Somerset issue, he was not able to give an update. "So far, I don't have any information...," he said. Efforts to contact other NWA personnel proved futile.
CONCLUSION
Whether the hardworking men and women at the NWA are pussyfooting around or they are really working assiduously to get the road rebuilt, one fact remains indisputable: the residents of the humble rural district of Somerset are suffering. They have suffered long enough! Robert Pickersgill, Minister of Housing, Transport and Works, and the NWA need to do their jobs expeditiously and ensure that these citizens of Jamaica are given a chance to learn, earn and live.
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.
