Dust dilemma

Several business owners and other stakeholders in St Thomas have lamented the dust bowl conditions of the Lyssons to Port Morant main road following the start of remedial works.

The construction, which forms part of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project, began nearly a year ago but has since been paused.

Shopkeepers, motorists, residents and commuters alike have raised concerns about the wrecked road surface and dust nuisance with which they have been left to contend.

“The dust a kill we. A from in Easter the work stop until now. You wouldn’t want to see the things on my shelf,” said Elaine Betty.

“Is last night mi dust and if you look in there now, it’s a shame.”

The Lyssons resident, who operates a small shop along the affected roadway, told The Gleaner that sales have also slumped as some customers have become reluctant to stop by.

“If you look at our hair, skin, under our nails … even sometimes we eating our food, is pure dirt. I have to wash my hair very night or else you wouldn’t want to see how my pillow dirty,” Betty continued.

“We fed up. When trucks pass by is like when you light fire and smoke come … yu have to cover up.”

Betty revealed that water trucks which used to dampen the area have not been seen in a while.

E.G. Hunter, chief executive officer of the National Works Agency, said on Sunday that he would consult with the project contractor and intervene where necessary.

Betty’s sentiments were echoed by neighbouring shopkeeper, Rohan Brown, who believes that little consideration is being given to those affected.

In addition to adverse health consequences, Brown shared that he is also concerned about the rate at which the work is being done.

“The road dig up and stop and you hear that they lose contractor and new contractor come on board and then you see work start and stop again … ,” he said.

“We don’t understand what is happening with the road at this point in time.”

Brown noted that works being done in other areas of the parish have been moving faster and more steadily than along the Lyssons to Port Morant stretch.

Road repairs associated with the long-anticipated SCHIP, which is touted as key to the economic development of St Thomas, began months ago in various sections off the parish. The contract was issued to China Harbour Engineering Company.

The $17.4-billion project is for the rehabilitation of approximately 110 kilometres of roadway between Harbour View in St Andrew and Port Antonio in Portland, and the 26-kilometre thoroughfare from Morant Bay to Cedar Valley in St Thomas.

Several areas along the Morant Bay to Port Morant main road have been dug up to facilitate the rehabilitation. Taxi operators who ply the route have also raised concerns of their own, including damage to their vehicles.

“A last week mi sort out mi front end and it start mek noise already. Even [Thursday], I spoke with a contractor asking if they can come put some marl on the road and he said they have done that five times already and rain wash it out and that it costs money… but what about our vehicle? It costs money to repair them, too,” said an operator who gave his name as Andy.

Chiming in, his passenger told The Gleaner that he is now often late for work, as what would have normally been a 45-minute drive can now take up to two hours because of traffic caused by the poor condition of the road.

shanna.monteith@gleanerjm.com