The long stretch of Stars Way, one of the main feeder roads in the north-western St. Andrew community of Hughenden, is littered with potholes. - Photos by Marlon Vickerman

WHAT'S NOT WORKING?

There is absolutely nothing glittery about Stars Way, one of many pothole-filled roads in the middle-income community of Hughenden, St. Andrew.

Roadways in Hughenden are an eyesore. Craters are many and the pothole network's coverage of the thoroughfare is wider than that of any telecommunications entity.

Fearing it could get any worse, which seems impossible, residents are demanding immediate action from the authorities.

SYNOPSIS OF THE SITUATION

It is no secret that a vast percentage of the thoroughfares in Jamaica are in need of repairs, but when was the last time you saw a mechanic repairing a vehicle while sitting in a pothole?

Well, this was the case when Tyrone's Watch visited the area last week.

A Mrs. Thomas, resident of Stars Way since the 1960s, said the roads have been a wreck for quite some time. The neglect, she said, only serves to make matters worse for the residents and commuters who are left facing big vehicular repair bills.

The mechanic, who was sitting in the pothole fixing a car's front-end, said Stars Way was just a fraction of Hughenden's disgraceful road situations.

He noted that other roads, such as Games Avenue and Orchard Avenue, all needed facelifts, which did not seem forthcoming, soon.

Conclusion

As has been said a million times before, consistency is better than intensity. Why wait until the thoroughfares are so eroded that an expansive labour- and funds-intensive project becomes necessary instead of regular maintenance?

Certainly this would prevent severe deterioration and the long wait usually associated with getting funds for these projects.

National Security Minister Derrick Smith, the Member of Parliament for the North West St. Andrew constituency, in which Hughenden is located, will have more than the crime monster to tackle in the coming months.

- Marlon Vickerman

WHAT'S THE STATUS?

A representative from the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation's road and works unit said the agency was responsible for the thoroughfare, but had no knowledge of whether plans were in place to rehabilitate the area. Attempts to contact the city engineer and the town clerk were unsuccessful.

WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?

The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation.

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.

Who says potholes are a problem? A mechanic makes use of a depression to manoeuvre under this car's front-end.