A functionary at the St. Mary Parish Council argues that there is insufficient funding to repair roads in Dressikie.

What's not working?

There is a little district high in the hills of St. Mary, the undis-puted pothole parish of Jamaica, that like many other communities is blaming its appalling road conditions on the authorities.

The name of that district is Dressikie, an the residents were in the midst of a high-octane celebrations for Robert Montague's victory in last Monday's general election, some still took time out to talk about their roadways.

Synopsis of situation:

The drive up to Dressikie wasn't easy. The seemingly never-ending ride twisted around potholes, making it a perfect candidate for Tyrone's Watch.

To top this off, it rained cats and dogs, or was it the entire animal farm? But we still managed to reach Dressikie after a few hours.

We met up with Paul, resident there for 30 years, who conducted a tour of the area. The main stops were Top Pen Road and the Mount Angus School Road.

"The road dem out here look like earthquake pass through, we have roads from the Texaco gas station in Gayle town all the way to Dressikie," Paul said. "I can count on one hand the amount of times I see repairs done to the roads out here. The last time was almost years ago when some people come dump some marl on the road, but as the rain fall it mash up back."

Walter Aarons, an elderly resident of Mount Angus School Road, said a better drainage system could help in alleviating the situation.

"The little drains that they built back in the day cannot accommodate the volume of water that is in the area when it now rains. As soon as we get showers, the water flood out the roadways because the old drains can't manage so much water.

"They are outdated and we need better drainage. Until that, we will always have bad roads," Aarons added.

Who's responsible?

The St. Mary Parish Council

Dressikie residents say thoroughfares, such as the Mount Angus School Road pictured here, have deteriorated after years of neglect. - Photos by Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

What's the status?

Earl Dawkins, superintendent of roads and works at the parish council, while conceding responsibility, said there were no funds available to effect repairs in the area.

Conclusion:

St. Mary needs rescuing. The craters and potholes in the parish are getting the better half, and three- quarters in some cases, of the roadways.

Residents in Dressikie seem to have faith solidly rooted in the newly elected representative, Robert Montague, saying that he would bring an end to their road terrors.

Until then, Tyrone's Watch will do what it does best - watching.

- Marlon Vickerman

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, Kingston; Fax: 922-6223, Telephone: 922-3400 Ext. 6364 or Email: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com