Road repairs election gimmick in St Andrew NE
Published:Thursday | March 8, 2018 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
A couple of days ago, I observed roadwork being carried out in sections of Patrick City. I wondered if some of the luck would trickle down to us residents in Duhaney Park. It appears as though we have no such luck.
I later learnt that $91 million had been allocated to fix roads in St Andrew North West, the same division that had a by-election on its heels. Among the areas mentioned to be fixed was Duhaney Park. In addition to that, $10 million was allocated for Duhaney Drive. Days leading up to the election, men could be seen working arduously to fix the road. But since Monday, all repairs have, seemingly, been suspended.
It also appears as though members of parliament only remember the value of our votes when an election is imminent. There have been warnings that the Government should not politicise the fixing of roads. However, are we, the voters, supposed to believe that in two years, the member of parliament has not advocated on behalf of the citizens for money to fix the roads? Must citizens always be forced to block roads to get responses?
Motorists have now resorted to driving on sidewalks and on lawns in order to dodge potholes. In all of this, let us not forget that the avenue on which the member of parliament's office is located is smooth sailing, while others such as Baldwin Crescent have been dug up and fixed, in plain Jamaican terms, "more time than di law allow".
Unfortunately, some unaware motorists have been victims of the collapsing drains. They are not aware that you have to turn at a certain angle to avoid the concealed traps that await them. There are times when residents have placed large objects as a means of letting motorists know that there is danger ahead.
We the voters must not forget the power we have. It is time that we finally start holding our representatives accountable.
RAIHN MCNISH