Residents fear damaged gully

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I WAS most heartened to read Mr Patrick Wong's declaration in Tuesday's Gleaner that "We are able to address the people's issues and we are taking it to the people. Whomever does not like that, there will be no apology."

I am sure the declaration applies to the issues faced by me and my neighbours on Grovedale Drive, St Andrew on whose behalf I sent a letter to Mr Wong and the National Works Agency (NWA), and who have yet to receive a formal response from him or his agency.

Below is my letter sent to Mr Wong with an accompanying photo. I am happy to read he finds the new JDIP programme "exciting" and am certain this excitement extends to the regular repair and maintenance responsibilities of the NWA.

Dear Mr Wong:

I am writing to the National Works Agency to ask that urgent attention be given to a section of the gully which runs between Grovedale Drive and the rear of the King's House lands (this is the gully which runs past the Liguanea Prep School down to the Waterloo Road ford behind MegaMart).

I am a resident of Grovedale Drive and the surface of the gully which is behind my premises and my adjoining neigbours' premises has been severely eroded. I noticed this damage about a week ago. There are huge holes in the surface of the gully and approaching the retaining wall on the side on which our houses are built.

At present, the houses at 1 and 3 Grovedale Drive (and by extension premises on adjoining lots) are in serious jeopardy, as any heavy rains and flow of water in the gully will further undermine the retaining wall. There is also another huge erosion of the gully surface further down behind 9-11 Grovedale Drive. The mosquito nuisance due to the presence of stagnant water which has now collected in the huge holes in the gully is also a serious health threat.

I am appealing to you to direct the necessary divisions in your agency to visit the site and address this matter urgently. I have enclosed some photographs of the gully to give you a clearer picture of the damage and the threats being posed to our community, our homes and our health.

This same section of the gully was repaired in late 2008 into 2009. I had written to the CEO of the NWA about similar concerns then. Thank you for your attention and I look forward to a quick response from the NWA.

Yours truly,

Gail Hoad