Left: One of the walk bridges in Aleppo, St. Mary, that is in an advanced state of disrepair. Right: One of the many sections along the Junction main road where the protective, concrete barrier has been eroded. Aware of the danger it poses, residents have tried to shore up the area with some bamboos. - PHOTOS BY NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
WHAT'S NOT WORKING:
This week we are featuring a 'double whammy' of issues that need urgent attention. First up are the walk bridges in the humble district of Aleppo in Clonmel, St. Mary.
Next at bat is the protective barrier along a winding terrain, the Junction main road. It is in dire need of some remedial work.
SYNOPSIS OF THE SITUATION:
ISSUE #1: WALK BRIDGES IN ALEPPO
The much-needed bridges are seriously in need of repairs. This is of grave concern to residents because the Aleppo River, which runs through the community, swells at the mere scent of rain. As a result, fords were built for vehicles and walk bridges constructed for pedestrians to get safely across.
Without the walk bridges, residents are left at the mercy of nature, as they are trapped in the community until the river recedes.
However, the bridges have been allowed to deteriorate to a state that it would seem a better option to wade your way across the river to safety than walk across and run the risk of falling into the river below.
While two of the bridges were in need of protective railings, the bridge on the major road, which leads to Elliot, is no more. Now, there is a big empty space and two concrete stubs, which serve as a painful reminder to residents that a bridge existed. The residents said that the bridge was washed away during rains associated with hurricanes last year.
They lamented that the bridge is essential to the community. Without the bridge, residents are forced to walk through the ford, even if it is flooded. Janice Virgo, a resident of Aleppo, told The Gleaner that two months ago she had to rescue a four-year-old boy, on his way to school, from being washed away while attempting to cross the flooded ford on his way to school. Ms. Virgo said that she had to run from her veranda to the child's rescue.
ISSUE #2
On the way to Aleppo, the news team used the Junction main road and noticed that the protective barrier that is supposed to prevent motorists, in the case of a mishap, from falling into the precipice, is non-existent in several sections. At some points, residents from nearby communities have employed the use of the good 'ole bamboo once again to act as a protective barrier.
WHAT'S THE STATUS?
ISSUE #1
Mr. Colin Morrison, community relations offficer for the National Works Agency (NWA) said that a design has been done for the bridge, but the agency is awaiting funds to start construction. He was unable to give a specific date.
ISSUE #2
Mr. Morrison said that the NWA had done remedial work along the Junction main road in the vicinity of Stony Hill and Tom's River. He pledged that the work would continue.
WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?
ISSUE #1
Richard Creary, Deputy Mayor of Port Maria, told The Gleaner that the road that the then bridge spanned is not a parish council road. He also said that the two other bridges in the community also fall under the purview of the NWA. "All bridges in the area belong to the NWA," he emphasised. However, Mr. Morrison said that his agency has responsibility for only one of the bridges. While not able to give details on the location, he said it was the one that was washed away during Hurricane Ivan.
ISSUE #2
The National Works Agency.
CONCLUSION
ISSUE #1
It is like a recurring decimal. Residents of rural Jamaica usually get the proverbial 'messy' end of the stick. The bridges are needed in the community and the relevant authorities must address the matter quickly ahead of the rainy season.
ISSUE #2
Word to the NWA: Do not wait until there is a loss of life before barriers are repaired.
UPDATE:
The undisputed pothole parish is getting some much needed attention. A trek through the parish showed that a lot of road work is being done. Thumbs up to the National Works Agency!
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, P.O. Box 40, Kingston; Fax: 922-6223, Telephone: 922-3400 Ext. 6364 or Email: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com.
