Fabian Bowen, Ricardo Simms and Damion Smith, all residents of the forgotten Springvale community in St. Elizabeth, demonstrating their means of transport in the community. - PHOTO BY NOEL THOMPSON
WHAT'S NOT WORKING?
The community of Springvale in St. Elizabeth is without electricity, piped water and roads, a situation that has left residents wondering why they are without such basic amenities.
SYNOPSIS OF THE SITUATION
Springvale is a tranquil farming district, which rests between the constituencies of South Western and North Western St. Elizabeth. PNP Member of Parliament Donald Buchanan and JLP Member of Parliament J.C. Hutchinson share either side of the com-munity, but residents feel strongly that their repre-sen-tatives are treating them with scant regard.
On a tour of the community last week, The Gleaner news team heard the desperate pleas of the residents, who are convinced that they are living in the Stone Age.
"I am 20 years old and I have never seen either water or electricity in my community. The road has not been repaired for many years," said Ricardo Simms.
"We have to pay up to $300 per person from just off the White Hall main road for a taxi driver to make a trip. Pregnant mothers are charged between $1,500 and $2,000 to be transported to the Black River Hospital. Donkeys are what some people use as their means of transport," he added.
"Studying at nights is un-bearable. We wish we had life much easier like some other children. Our only source of water is whenever it rains," a boy interjected.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
Mr. Buchanan said it was the responsibility of the St. Elizabeth Parish Council to have the roads fixed.
Mr. Buchanan did not address the issue of electricity. However, it is understood that local representation to the St. Eliza-beth Parish Council could be made for assistance under the Ministry of Local Government's Rural Electrification Programme (REP).
WHAT IS THE STATUS?
Efforts to contact the Chairman of the St. Elizabeth Parish Council, Mayor Franklyn Witter, about the state of the roads proved futile.
With respect to the chronic water crisis facing the community, Mr. Buchanan said the area and adjoining districts should see the problem addres-sed as soon as the White Hall Water Supply Scheme comes on stream. However, he was not in a position to say how soon this was likely to happen.
While admitting it is going to be an expensive venture, Mr. Buchanan committed that the water supply scheme is "one of those projects that the Ministry of Water and the National Water Commission have" as a long term development plan."
When the scheme is complete it will supply water to the communities of Springvale, Forest Mountain, Hodges Pond, White Hall and surrounding areas.
CONCLUSION
The Springvale residents are in dire need of the basic amenities required for any community to progress. The situation is unacceptable and the relevant authorities must address the matter immediately.
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
Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer from The Gleaner's Western Bureau, did this instalment of Tyrone's Watch.
