A close-up of the breakaway along the Parry Town main road in St. Ann. - PHOTO BY JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WHAT'S NOT WORKING?
There is a massive and dangerous breakaway along the Parry Town main road in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. This is in the vicinity of Coyaba.
SYNOPSIS OF THE SITUATION
This is scary stuff. Just looking over the edge of the road sends chills up the spine.
Only a few pieces of stick and a building block draped with yellow tape signal the danger that lies ahead.
One of the three things that make this breakaway more dangerous than normal is the fact that it creeps up on you - it is not really visible until you are close to it.
The area is poorly lit at nights which makes the sneaky breakaway more dangerous. The damaged section of the road has been reduced to single-lane traffic, as a sizeable portion of the roadway has given way. The residents told a terrifying tale of how a car almost plunged into the ravine below the gaping breakaway. Luckily, only one of the car's wheels went over the edge and with some help from the residents, the driver was able to get his car and himself to safety.
Residents said that the road has been in this state of gross disrepair since last year.
Cracks in the road's surface speak of telling things to come. Ultimately, if something is not done to remedy this situation it will result in something catastrophic.
WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?
Alexander Mann, deputy superintendent of roads and works at the St. Ann Parish Council, said that the road falls under the jurisdiction of the National Works Agency (NWA).
WHAT'S THE STATUS?
A Mr. Harris, who refused to give his first name from the NWA's parish office in St. Ann, said that a design is being done and plans are afoot to have a retaining wall constructed. At first, he refused to give a time frame for the start of the work. "A situation of that magnitude not even the Government could tell" was his response to a questions regarding a timeline.
But, after some pressure was applied, he disclosed that the contract would be put to tender next month.
CONCLUSION
This is dangerous and must be remedied immediately. I cannot understand how responsible and well-thinking individuals can leave a grave situation for so long. This is unacceptable.
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, Kingston; Fax: 922-6223, Telephone: 922-3400 Ext. 6364 or email: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com.
