Rio Grande Valley awaits repairs as roads worsen

Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

AS RESIDENTS eagerly await the start of road repairs in the Rio Grande Valley of Portland, conditions along Friday - a roadway leading to Mill Bank - continue to worsen as a result of the inclement weather.

The deteriorating road condition is now creating fears in the heart of even the bravest of residents, who trod the narrow makeshift wooden bridge, which was built by them in February following the collapse of that entire roadway. Residents have been forced to travel in single file across the wooden bridge.

"We are tired of the promises," said a resident, who gave his name as Wilfred. "They made promises that the road would be fixed, but up until now it has not been done. Politicians are the worst set of people. When they want our votes, they turn up with all the fancy talks and promises, and when election over, you are left with nothing. I am 63 years old, and me nah vote again because Government do not respect taxpayers."

The roadway, known as Friday, collapsed on February 15 during two weeks of torrential rainfall, which also ravaged sections of Barracks, Comfort Castle, and Bellevue in the Rio Grande Valley.

Possible setback

In September, Minister of Transport and Works Mike Henry said road repairs were to begin on some sections of the Rio Grande Valley in three weeks. However, when The Gleaner toured the area on Tuesday, the repairs had not started although residents pointed out that the inclement weather could have hampered the start of repairs.

"Yes, we have had heavy rains at intervals," said Benny White, a former mayor of Port Antonio and resident at Mill Bank. "But we have had dry spells and the work could have in fact started. Nevertheless, we all know it is politics, but of great concern is the Dam Bridge area, where they had a truck accident. That particular roadway is narrowing, and is covered with shrubs, and other plant life, which are dangerous to motorists, especially those not familiar with the area."

Meanwhile, residents want repairs to be done on the section of roadway at Dam Bridge, where a market trucked plunged in December 2008, claiming the lives of 14 persons.

"I am quite aware of the difficult situation at Dam Bridge," said Patrick Lee, Jamaica Labour Party caretaker for Eastern Portland. "Since I assumed this office more than a month ago, I have visited the area to have a first-hand look at the conditions. I am in the process of assembling a team to do bushing, and to clear the area of debris and to erect warning signs."

Henry earlier this week urged for patience from the residents. He noted that some roadwork has already started and others would be launched soon.