Residents of Plaisance and the surrounding areas on the East Coast are complaining about the condition of the railway embankment road and other streets in area, while calling on the relevant authorities to repair them.
When Stabroek News visited the area on Wednesday, most of the roads were potholed, which made it difficult for vehicles to manoeuvre through them.
Residents were forced to use the husks from coconuts to fill the deep holes in order for their vehicles to be able to drive on the road without sustaining serious damage. Additionally, some of the bridges were shaky and seemed as if they would cave in under the pressure of vehicles travelling on them.
“I have been living here for a very long time and for as long as I can remember, these roads have been like this forever and keep getting worse all the time,” a resident, who did not want to be named, told Stabroek News.
She pointed out that around October last year contracts were given out for the repairs of the roads but almost a year later there have been no significant changes.
“I always keep my eyes on when road contracts are given out and I remember correctly it was in October and all they have done since then is throw some materials on the road. Since then they come back in March and just throw stuff again but that isn’t doing much,” she said, while pointing out that the vehicles that would frequently use the roads would normally cause the road to deteriorate more.
Another resident pointed out that because of the condition of the roads, taxi drivers are hesitant and refuse to go to certain places in the area. “Sometimes you does got to walk piece, even if you take a taxi ’cause them men don’t want come down this bad road and I can’t blame them ’cause even people that does live around here don’t even want to use the roads,” the man explained.
John Fraser, a taxi driver who would frequent the area, explained that while the roads have seen a little improvement, they are still bad. “I remember a few months ago they had holes deep like the sea and you used to got to repair your car every week. One drop in one of them holes and you want to cry. But since then, they full up most of them but they haven’t finished it and when everybody driving up and down, it getting back to how it used to be so they got to hurry and do it,” the man said.
He explained that it was not just the roads but the bridges in the area and on the embankment road that are in serious need of urgent work. “Right on the bridge got a big hole and you could even see through it. One day, I driving and I see a bike man nearly fall because of it. What would’ve happened if he de fall and a car can’t stop and run over he?” Fraser said, while pointing out that it is in the best interest of everyone if it is fixed as soon as possible.
In reference to the bridges in the area, the residents pointed out that they are frequently forced to repair them. They are calling on the Industry/Plaisance Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to take up these issues within the community.
In addition to the roads, residence also raised concerns about some of the trenches that are clogged with vegetation that have not been cleaned in months.
When Stabroek News visited the NDC for a comment from the Chairperson Audrey Abrams, it was related that she was not there and a contact number was given. Subsequently, Stabroek News called and was told by a woman who identified herself as Abrams that she was busy and could not talk at the time. However, when Stabroek News called several times after, there was no answer.
