Left: Road or mud lake? This is the question one ponders when looking at this section of Lakehurst Drive in the Manor Park area of St. Andrew. Right: A dirty paradox: This sign in the vicinity of Lakehurst Drive prohibiting dumping has been ignored by workmen constructing a drainage system in the area. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

WHAT'S NOT WORKING?

Residents of Lakehurst Drive in the Manor Park area of St. Andrew said their roads have been in need of repair for almost a decade, if not more. Heavy rains result in large volumes of water settling, making sections of the roadway almost impassable.

Despite the fact that the authorities have eased those woes by installing drainage infrastructure, their main bone of contention is the muddy mess left behind after the roadwork.

SYNOPSIS OF THE SITUATION

Lakehurst Drive residents lauded the authorities for coming to their rescue from the mini lakes, but voiced strong disapproval over the dirt being left on their avenue.

"To be honest, Lakehurst Drive was like a swamp. Even if it were just a drizzle, the water would sit there on the road for weeks until it evaporated," said Donald Thompson, a resident of five years. "Now, since last June, some work started to get done, I see a drainage system being built to correct the water-settling problem and I'm very appreciative of that.

"I don't know which agency is conducting the work so I can't call any names. However, I don't think the workmen are dealing with the construction properly ... I mean, they just leave it (the dirt) there, and when it rains it makes travelling on the road more painstaking as you now have to contend with potholes, muck and trying not to get into a skid."

WHAT'S THE STATUS?

Charles Buchanan, corporate communications manager at National Water Commission (NWC), said they intend to carry out work in the Manor Park area. But for now, the plans have not got off the ground. This simply means that the water company is not accepting responsibility for the problem plaguing the residents.

When contacted on Thursday, Colin Morrison, communication manager at the National Works Agency (NWA), told our news team that he would investigate the matter and provide us with an update. We are still waiting on the promised response.

Several attempts to contact Norman Shand, city engineer at the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC), as well as other representatives from the Road and Works Department, were unsuccessful. Despite leaving messages detailing the nature of our calls, we are yet to receive a response from the KSAC.

WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?

It is yet to be ascertained.

CONCLUSION

Will the authority responsible for the work being done on Lakehurst Drive please stand up? Stand up and take a bow for the decision to construct a drainage system. However, you must also accept a round of boos for the muddy nightmare you have left in your wake, making life miserable for users of Lakehurst Drive. This is a clear-cut case of shoddy workmanship.

Come on! It is mind-boggling why the dirt has been allowed to remain. This matter needs to be rectified immediately.

Right now, we are not sure who is responsible for the upkeep of Lakehurst Drive or the construction of the drainage system. But, we will be watching, and it will only be a matter of time till we find you out!

- Done by Marlon Vickerman, Gleaner Writer

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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.