Dear Editor,
Recently, residents of the forgotten community in Providence have resorted to contracting a private individual to weed the road shoulders along the road leading into the community. This is the road close to the Green Field Park entrance. Editor, I say forgotten because since the last election, nothing has been done in the community with regards to maintenance, sanitation and least of all, drainage and irrigation.
This community was birthed out of the Housing Ministry’s ‘Turn Key’ initiative, under the previous administration. It was once brimming with potential. What a sight it was to see all of the brightly coloured homes lining the streets, which, because it was a new community, was finished with crusher run. Three years on and the streets are almost impassable. Nothing has been done since that time, even though the community has about 97 per cent occupancy. We were told that the roads would be completed when the community became populated. Again, this was under the previous administration and we have all been forgotten.
With regards to the overgrowth of vegetation, the road leading into the community, which I mentioned earlier, is unsafe due to the thick vegetation on the sides. Cars passing on this stretch, made for two lanes, would have to take turns to pass each other, and the cattle walking on the already narrow roadway does not make it any safer. Concerned residents contacted the NDC who explained that the scheme was not yet handed over. When contacted, the Communities Ministry said that the NDC has responsibility for the area.
The residents are now being given the royal push around. But, since the area is still our home, as citizens, we took it upon ourselves to repair the roads (using builder’s waste) and most recently, some have taken on the responsibility to clear the road shoulders.
Even though it is commendable that the community is banding together, it is absolutely shameful that the Regional Authorities and the Ministry officials have totally forgotten this community. A community of young, tax-paying professionals. I gather that the future of community development is through self-help.
Sincerely,
Annmarie Singh
