Home Letters Rice farmers from Greenwich Park to Vergenoegen use the road disrespectfully
Dear Editor,
It is appalling that the relevant authorities have been condoning the muddy condition in which the rice farmers from Greenwich Park to Vergenoegen, in Region Three, have been leaving the public roadway.
These rice farmers have been driving their tractors with wheels loaded with wet mud, and as the tractor drives along the public road, this wet mud is catapulted all over the road, and thousands of people are affected by these uncaring and unconcerned rice farmers.
It does appear as if the drivers of these tractors got their licences by ‘hook or crook’. I say this because their use of the roads does not show they have any knowledge of the 5Cs taught by the Police in driving classes. Care, concern, common sense, courtesy, and consideration for other road users seem to be completely absent from their minds.
Firstly, when the road is left in a muddy state and it rains, other vehicles are splattered with mud. This gives hundreds of vehicle owners added work to clean their vehicles, or add to their expenses by having to visit the wash bay. What is worse, pedestrians and cyclists have to face this onslaught of wet mud totally unguarded. Just imagine a neatly dressed school child or office worker coming out to use the wet, muddy road on a rainy day.
On one of those days, persons waiting on transportation can be seen standing in the grass, instead of at the edges of the road, because of the mud left on the road. This bullying by rice farmers cannot continue.
Secondly, a wet, muddy road significantly reduces the effectiveness of brakes on vehicles. This is because wet mud forms a slippery film between the road and the tyres. As a result, the probability of accidents increases notably.
Thirdly, when the mud has dried on the road, it is transformed into dust. This dust makes its way into nearby houses, forcing homeowners and housewives to do extra work to keep their homes clean. Moreover, they are compelled to lock up their houses to avoid dust. Additionally, persons with respiratory problems are at greater risk of being hospitalised due to dust pollution.
It is unfortunate that a few rice farmers are allowed to affect thousands of people in this manner. I’m suggesting that these few rice farmers wash the mud off their machinery before driving it onto the public road. Further, I’m recommending that the traffic Police monitor the use of the road by the rice farmers, to ensure the carriageway is a clean and safe space for other road users and residents.
No one should have to endure the stress caused by these insensitive rice farmers.
I hope the relevant authorities would attend to this matter immediately.
Respectfully,
B Persaud