A motorist cautiously makes his way along one of the rocky roads in Keith, St. Ann.

What's not working?

Residents of Keith district say they have had it up to their necks with 'donkey-track' roads. They bemoan the worsening state of thoroughfares in the St. Ann community, north-west of Brown's Town, and the 'it-will-soon-be-addressed' promise from the authorities just isn't cutting it anymore.

Synopsis of situation

Keith residents want one thing - to have their streets repaired or 'resurrected' in some instances. For many, the last time they recall roadwork of any sort being done in the district's vicinity was in the run-up to the 2002 General Election when the trademark 'patching' was done. Sadly, patching did not grace the streets of Keith itself, only the outskirts, such as roads leading to Discovery Bay in the north and the Retirement to Brown's Town.

For Thelma Fairweather-Siegel, a resident, the only 'not-so-bad' feature about the horrible roads is that they are not prone to becoming water-logged.

"Thank God the water don't settle on the road after it rains, because if it did, I don't know what we would be left to do," she said. "The road really needs to fixed, however.

"I drive a little car and the road wear and tear the vehicle a lot. I have to change tyres at least three times per year. Sometimes, relatives abroad have to assist me financially when I have to do repairs on the car. The road is costing us a lot."

Fairweather-Siegel further noted that local taxi operators feel the sting as well and often withdraw their services from the area.

Who's responsible?

The St. Ann Parish Council.

What's the status?

Alexander Mann, deputy superintendent of roads and works at the parish council, said the council was aware of the situation in Keith, as well as other sections of the parish, but there are no funds to effect the necessary repairs.

Conclusion

There really is nothing that could be said that hasn't already been stated. We constantly raise the issue of proper maintenance as a way to cut the long wait associated with getting the funds to effect road repairs. However, it seems that, as old folks would put it, 'tick bruk inna dem ears', and that goes for local government as well.

Again, we are forced to add another stroke to the incalculable tally of Tyrone's Watch editions where residents are expected to settle with the 'availability-of-funds excuse'.

The marly mess which passes for Keith's roadways has forced many taxi drivers to withdraw their services. - Photos by Roger Robinson/Freelance Photographer

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., 7 North Street, Kingston; Fax: 922-6223, Telephone: 922-3400 Ext. 6364 or Email: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com.