Left: Mr. K. D. Knight, MP for East Central St. Catherine.   Right: The horrible state of the road in Waterloo affects residents of all ages. Here, schoolchildren trek home along the edge of the road to avoid the stagnant waters in the road's potholes. - Ian Allen Staff Photographer

Residents of Waterloo, in St. Catherine, are frustrated with the poor state of the roads in their community. They lamented that they are sick and tired of having to exhaust their finances on vehicle repairs. Now, they are screaming that enough is enough! And, are demanding that the powers that be address the situation with immediate effect.

Synopsis of the Situation:

The residents said the main road in their community has been in need of repairs for decades. Over that period, multiple promises have been made to them, but no substantial work to back them up.

Now, out of patience and feeling of being neglected, they are demanding the intervention of their Member of Parliament (MP), K.D. Knight, and the St. Catherine Parish Council to address the problem.

The residents have resorted to thinking that they are less than human in the mind of their elected government officials, as they are unable to fathom why their roads have been left 'uncared for' for so long. They said that the parish council, their MP, and councillor have been aware of the condition of the roads and to say that they are dragging their feet in solving the problem would be a huge understatement.

"Dem treat wi like hog and goat 'roun here. All mi see dem do is throw some cement and stone pon de road a couple months ago and gone," said Marie, an irate 33-year-old resident.

"By the time the rain fall all a dat wash off. I bet you that when election time come is then you going to see dem come around here and try do a little thing."

Annette Manning said that the fare from Spanish Town is normally $50. However, once a taxi has to ply the Waterloo route, an additional $30 is added.

Ms. Manning's parting comment on the road was, "I'm 40 years old and since birth this is how I have always remembered the road ... nasty and 'peke-peke'."

Isaiah Gayle, another resident also reiterated the 'hog and goat' sentiment. He also expressed feeling deceived by his elected representatives.

Who's Responsible?

The St. Catherine Parish Council.

What's The Status?

Andrew Wheatley, Mayor of Spanish Town, said the St. Catherine Parish Council has recently received $4 million to fix the Waterloo Road. He promised that the repairs would begin later this month.

Conclusion:

Well, at face value, this appears to be some good for Waterloo residents, who patiently wait for their chance to come. Let us just hope, this 'gospel' does not fall into the political reservoir of broken promises.

On the other hand, what was not too good a form of any news was the response of Mr. K. D. Knight, MP for East Central St. Catherine, to the issue. After explaining the nature of the call to Mr. Knight, the conversation went as stated below:

Tyrone's Watch (T.W.): "Mr. Knight, are you aware of the horrible road conditions in the Waterloo district of East Central St. Catherine?

Mr. Knight: "I have no comment!"

T.W.: "So, Mr. Knight, you have knowledge of the situation?"

Mr. Knight: "You heard me!"

(After Tyrone's Watch paused for around 15 seconds)

Mr. Knight: "Are you there?"

T.W.: "Yes, Sir, I am here."

Mr. Knight: "I want to hang up, but I don't want to hang up on you. So, please hang up so I can get back to work."

T.W.: "Ok, Sir."

Yes, trying to get a response from the MP regarding an issue that can be likened to a thorn in the hearts of some of the people who elected him was seen as hindering him from getting on with his work. This was heartbreaking, especially when those comments were made in a somewhat condescending tone that made it obvious he did not want to be bothered with such an issue.

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 Email: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com

Marlon Vickerman, Gleaner writer, did this instalment of Tyrone's Watch.