Left: The archaic Morrison Bridge still standing in defiance of the Yallahs River, which washed away the land that led up to the entrance of the bridge.
Right: Residents from David's Hill district walk carefully across the second of two makeshift bridges that they use to cross over the Yallahs River. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WHAT'S NOT WORKING?
The residents of David's Hill district, which is nestled in the hills of east rural St. Andrew, are desperately in need of a bridge.
SYNOPSIS OF THE SITUATION:
Last year, during the torrential rains of Hurricane Emily, the land leading up to the entrance of the Morrison Bridge that runs across the Yallahs River was washed away. Hence, the residents are not able to access the bridge, which was built in 1896.
It was a scene of utter devastation. If we were not told that solid ground led up to the entrance of the Morrison Bridge, it would have remained a mystery. There is just no way of telling. All that remains is rubble.
Whenever it rains and the Yallahs River breaches its banks, residents are not able to cross over. The only other way out of their community is another bridge that is six or seven miles away. That is just too far to walk, especially for children whose schools are located near to the Morrison Bridge.
As it begins to rain, residents have to send for or have their children picked up from school regardless of the time of day. If not, they would not be able to make it across the river. The residents revealed that they have to constantly be on watch, as they fear that one day a child might attempt to take the daring trek across the river alone and not make it.
They are convinced that the authorities are waiting on somebody to die before some action is taken.
At one stage the residents tied a rope on the bridge and persons would slide down to safety; even pregnant women used the dangerous alternative. However, good sense prevailed and that arrangement has been discontinued.
In the interim, the citizens have constructed two very temporary 'bridges' made of tamarind tree wood and ply. The makeshift bridges are laid on stones in the Yallahs River and provide access across the treacherous river. However, when it rains and the river swells, the makeshift bridges are history.
Residents walking among the huge stones that now occupy what used to be land that led to the entrance of the Morrison Bridge. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WHAT'S THE STATUS?
The residents revealed that engineers visited the site after the massive land slippage and plans were drafted to effect repairs, but nothing has happened since then.
Mr. Hibbert confirmed that a team from the KSAC visited and concluded that a Bailey bridge should be erected.
The MP alleged that these bridges are only stocked by the NWA, therefore, he invited the agency to assess the situation.
A team subsequently responded to the request and carried out a second assessment.
While not sure, Mr. Hibbert told The Gleaner that he believed the engineers from the agency had deduced that a Bailey bridge was needed to remedy the residents' discomfort. Mr. Hibbert said he did not get a definitive time from the NWA regarding the setting up of the Bailey bridge.
Efforts to get a comment from the NWA were unsuccessful.
CONCLUSION
It is a sad day in Jamaica land we love when citizens are driven to believe that they have to take to the streets, burn tyres and block roads to get some action. It is even more heart-rending to hear the tales of how the women and children battle hunger because they are not able to leave their community to get food.
Leaders, if you care at all, ensure that the grave situation that obtains in David's Hill district for close to nine months is remedied. In the words of a resident: "To leave the community like this for so long is a disgrace ... this is what you call neglect." My sentiments exactly.
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.
