Our news team making its way across the failing bridge of Mount Vernon Road. The underbelly of the structure is deteriorating. - Photos by Marlon Vickerman

What's not working?

There is much to be done in the serene district of Platfield in St. Mary. And repairing the 'bridge' section of Mount Vernon Road, the main thoroughfare in the community, is perhaps the number one priority.

Platfield residents are also desperate for potable water and telephone services, as they sometimes feel disconnected from the rest of the world.

Synopsis of situation

The Platfield situation is wrapped in the all too familiar dirty blanket of unfulfilled political promises. Residents say that Mount Vernon Road has deteriorated over the years due to lies and negligence as responsible authorities and the political directorate have failed to stand by their word.

In the most recent episode, according to Marlene McKie, a resident, the bridge was severely damaged in March when a huge section broke away. Consequently, heavy-duty traffic is prohibited on the bridge because of the danger the deteriorating structure poses.

She added that since officials from the St. Mary Parish Council surveyed the damage in March, nothing has been done.

That grouse aside, other sections of Mount Vernon Road are equally horrible. So horrible that not even once faithful taxi operators travel beyond the bridge anymore.

Getinella Bonner, a student at the St. Mary High School, knows these tales of refusal all too well.

"I have to change my school shoes almost every two months and it's not that I don't care them, it's just that the road is bad, so it damages them quickly," she said. "The taxis don't come up this side anymore, so I'm forced to walk 30 minutes out to and from Platfield Square every day in order to get transportation to school. I even have to do this in the rains sometimes."

Most taxi operators argue that the big bills for damage to their vehicles often outweigh revenue from fares. Hence, their decision to withdraw their services. This, residents say, poses a serious challenge as readily available transportation, especially in medical emergencies, is hard to come by.

The absence of potable water is another thorn in the flesh of Platfield residents.

Nadia Mais said the Platfield River is the primary source of water for the residents or the nearby spring in Lunafield (a 15-minute walk, by my estimation). Residents literally take their pots and pans to the river to be washed or to collect water. National Water Commission, HELP!

Who's responsible?

St. Mary Parish Council

What's the status?

Road and works superintendent at the parish council, Earl Dawkins, said the local government body has already submitted the estimate for the repairs project on Mount Vernon Road and is now awaiting funding. He could not give a timeline for the commencement of repairs.

Conclusion

Different parish council, same excuse. Nonetheless, the crises in Platfield are real.

The roads are terrible andresidents often have to walk with buckets of water on their heads. Stone Age or Technology Age? Surely, something must be done to make life a bit more comfortable for the Platfield citizens, a very hospitable batch they are too, might I add.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Tell us about problems in your community. We will visit and help to lobby for action. Write to: Tyrone Reid, the Gleaner Company Ltd., P.O. Box 40, Kingston; Fax: 922-6223, Telephone: 922-3400 Ext. 6364 or Email: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com.

A dreadful breakaway in nearby Lunafield, St. Mary.

The dilapidated Mount Vernon Road leading into Platfield, St. Mary. Residents blame the road condition on years of neglect from government authorities.

The Platfield River is the main source of water for the residents. Some journey to a nearby spring for drinking water.

This sign warns traffic of a rapidly deteriorating section of Mount Vernon Road.