This motorists carefully makes his way past one of the dangerous breakaways. - PHOTOS BY IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WHAT'S NOT WORKING?
The Guava Ridge to Content Gap main road in rural St. Andrew is in dire need of repairs.
SYNOPSIS OF THE SITUATION:
There are several breakaways and plenty of potholes along this winding stretch of road, which has transformed it into what one resident called a "death trap".
The resident claimed that there are actually 10 breakaways, four of which he deemed "extremely dangerous," that have had a permanent spot along the thoroughfare since Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The same resident also claimed that the roads have not been resurfaced for some 20 years.
He also claimed that there is no alternative route because the "lengthy and only escape route through Silver Hill and Newcastle is unsafe for traffic and blocked in many areas."
Our trek along the roadway confirmed the claim that there were multiple breakaways along the road in question. There were three sizeable breakaways in short succession, which has reduced each section to single-lane traffic.
This danger presented by the breakaways is heightened due to the narrowness of the roadway. One resident revealed that three vehicles had already plunged into the ravine. In at least one instance, the unfortunate driver of the vehicle was lucky to escape alive. However, his vehicle had to be scrapped in the ravine because he was unable to remove it. Pieces of the car remained in the ravine until heavy rains washed it away recently, the residents claimed.
Close inspection of the road surface showed that the breakaways will soon get more expansive. The mostly coffee farmers who reside in the hilly area use the thoroughfare quite frequently to transport their produce. The farmers complain bitterly that the terrible conditions of the roads are adversely affecting their livelihoods.
WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?
Alvin Francis, Jamaica Labour Party councillor for the division, said that the roadway falls under the purview of the National Works Agency (NWA).
WHAT'S THE STATUS?
Contact was made with the NWA and a message left for Stephen Shaw, manager of communication and customer services, and Colin Morrison, community relations officer, querying a schedule for repairs to the main road. However, no response was received from either of them.At the same time, markings were seen on the roadway, which suggests that the works agency has visited the area.
CONCLUSION:
Breakaways are not things to be taken lightly, especially because they possess the propensity to spread. Already persons have reportedly been victims of the erosion of the roadway. Again, we urge the NWA not to sit idly by and wait until somebody is killed before something is done to remedy the situation. Prevention is better than cure!
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, Kingston;
Fax: 922-6223, Telephone: 922-3400 Ext. 6364 or Email: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com.
