A resident removing debris from her gate on Ashoka Road in the Waterhouse community of Kingston after it rained last Thursday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

WHAT'S NOT WORKING

Motorists who drive on Ashoka and Bolivar roads in Waterhouse, Kingston 11, know the phrase 'not an easy road' only too well. Especially when it's raining. There is hardly any asphalt on the road. Now at their wits' end, residents are desperately calling for help.

SYNOPSIS OF SITUATION

Cracks, potholes and debris dominate both thoroughfares. Quite strange, however, Henley Drive, which connects both Ashoka and Bolivar roads, was almost of Highway 2000 quality -- smoothly paved.

When our news team visited the area, residents of Ashoka Road were seen shovelling debris into potholes in an attempt to prevent water from settling on the road. This task was short-lived, as the rains came pouring.

Lorraine Bent, Ashoka Road resident for 27 years, said the strip has always been in need of repairs.

"From mi live here, Ashoka waan fix and the authority dem nuh address it," she said. "Whenever fixing a gwaan is just Henley and Penwood Drive mi see dem deal wid. Dem nuh turn off pon Ashoka and do a thing; is we the residents have to take that responsibility upon ourselves."

Bent added that during extremely heavy rainfall, the water that settles on the road flows on to the eroded sidewalks and makes its way even into her house.

Bolivar Road was no better than Ashoka Road - cracks, potholes and ditches were everywhere, filled with water, as well.

Ronald Blake, resident since 1990, said the parish council's neglect was compounded by the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ivan.

"I don't recall the roads being fixed since Hurricane Ivan. I'm not professing to be an environmentalist or weather specialist of any sort, but it seems that after Ivan the land got extremely saturated, rising the water table," he said. "As a result of that, whenever it rains, the water settles on the road quickly ... it's obvious that some kind of drainage system or something is needed because when it rains the majority of the road around here gets waterlogged."

WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?

The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC).

WHAT'S THE STATUS?

The status is uncertain. Several attempts to contact Norman Shand, city engineer at the KSAC, were unsuccessful.

However, a representative from the KSAC's Road and Works Department said that Ashoka and Bolivar roads fell under the purview of the KSAC. He also admitted being fully aware of the situation on both thoroughfares.

Unfortunately, the representative was not able to say whether plans were in place to address the situation.

CONCLUSION

How ironic it is that two roads that bear the names of prominent world figures are allowed to deteriorate to such a state.

Ashoka was actually the name of an emperor from India - Ashoka the Great - known for his great military conquest and domination and later for propagating Buddhism.

Bolivar Road bears the name of Simon Bolivar, the famous South American Independence leader. It is not clear whether the roads were named in honour of both men. If they were, their present state is surely a dishonour.

Both central and local governments must address the poor state of these roads. This is nothing short of a national disgrace.

- Written by Marlon Vickerman, Gleaner Writer