Marlon Vickerman, Gleaner Writer

A cabbie slows to a crawl as his vehicle sinks into a pothole on Codac Street in the vicinity of Flankers Primary and Junior High School, Montego Bay, St. James, last week. - Photo by Marlon Vickerman

WHAT'S NOT WORKING?

Road conditions in Flankers, St. James, are horrible to say the least. These roads are a perennial thorn in the side of the community.

SYNOPSIS OF THE SITUATION

If the main entrance to Flankers, McKenzie Drive, is anything to judge by, then motorists can immediately tell that they are in for an obstacle course.

No need for the cameras and camcorders, there is nothing picture-perfect about Codac Street - unless you want to capture students of Flankers Primary and Junior High School hopscotching through riverbeds in the rainy season.

A taxi operator said that oftentimes residents are left to try to patch the holes themselves, but the temporary fix is soon washed away by rain.

Celia Whyte, a resident, said she anxiously awaits another visit from the royal family. Since Prince Philip's visit to Flankers Primary in 2002, when the roads were resurfaced. Whyte claims the thoroughfaes have deteriorated - and the authorities have turned a blind eye to their plight.

WHAT'S THE STATUS?

The status is unclear. Several attempts to contact Terry Montaque, St. James' deputy superintendent of roads and works, were unsuccessful. Tubal Brown, the superintendent, was on leave.

However, one representative from the Parish Council, who withheld his identity, said he was aware of the situation in Flankers.

"The whole St. James supposed to know about that. I know the road isn't paved out there, some part good and some aren't. I am aware of the condition but I really cannot say whether or not there are current plans to do some work. You'd have to speak with Mr. Montaque."

WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?

The St. James Parish Council.

Conclusion

More emphasis needs to be placed on regular maintenance, instead of waiting until the entire road surface is in disrepair. The all-too-familiar excuse, "We have no money to fix the roads," just won't cut it. Maybe that should be added to the council's New Year's resolution list.

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.