Dear Editor,
I think it is true to say that every right thinking person appreciates progress, real progress; not the one that takes you one step forward and two steps backward. We, the residents of Bel Air, were overjoyed when some months ago, our street was resurfaced and we could drive smoothly to our destination. As progress would have it, pipes needed to be run along the western side of the road, so GWI alerted residents of First Street Bel Air Village, via a flyer, that during the period 1st April 2024 to 2nd May 2024 “The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will be upgrading the distribution network to improve water quality & the level of service within Bel Air Village. Works include the cutting of roads and entrances… The contractor assigned, Rudolph Kissoon of R. Kissoon Contracting Services, will be responsible for all reinstatement during work execution…”
Sometime after the dates indicated on the flyer, on the same day that excavation works had to be done to facilitate the laying of the pipes, residents living on the western side of the street who parked in front of their homes, were informed that they needed to remove their vehicles. We complied. The earth was dug up, along with everything in its path; our bridges were broken and neat strips of concrete that facilitated the parking of our cars were also dismantled. Mud was piled up on the western side, and the broken slabs of concrete from the former parking area, were dumped on the eastern side of the street. The pipes have been laid. Now who is responsible for returning the street to its pristine state? Heaps of mud prevent us from parking in front of our homes. Two vehicles got stuck in the mud. Sand was generously thrown in front of our bridges to help us navigate the pathway.
Pensioners, such as I, continue to mince our way through these uneven “paths” as we try to keep our balance while trying to avoid taking sand into the house (an almost impossible task!). This untidy state of affairs caused one neighbour to comment: “this is not a squatting area” (with due respect to squatters). Thanks for every effort at improvement… but… long story short… (I need some creolese to express my frustration.) “Is when yaal comin’ back to fix back we street, bridges and neatly paved parking areas, like you met them?” When will we be able to park in front of our houses, again!!
Sincerely,
(Name and Address
Withheld)