Makeshift dump causing pain for some residents in Payne Land

Danae Hyman, Online Reporter

A makeshift dump in a section of Payne Land in southwest St Andrew is causing much distress to a handful of residents who have been forced to live in the mess, citing their poor financial status as the main reason.

“A dung inna the rubbish heap dem affi live cause dem nah nuh choice; all inah the hallway on the buildings over there dem affi live too, the place overpopulated man," a resident explained.

"This is because one woman will have a baby and the pickney grow up to have another one, and a just so it go then all a dem have to live one place,a man nuh have nowhere to go and him family extend. Dem jus make a room. Not even bathroom a man have like how him have a room,” the resident continued.

The residents lamented that their plight remains due to the failure of their Member of Parliament Angela Brown-Burke to address the unhealthy situation. According to one resident, issues have to be broadcast on social media before the MP visits the area.

The affected residents say they are now optimistic that the Government’s announcement of a new social housing programme (SHP) for the next financial year in April 2020-2021, will change their sub-standard living conditions. 

During this year's Throne Speech in Parliament, Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen indicated that the project would include provisions for indigent housing, relocation of vulnerable communities and the upgrading of tenements or ‘big yards’.

“The new SHP will be administered under the housing component of the HOPE (Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment) programme through which employment opportunities will be provided for HOPE interns,” Sir Patrick said.

​The Gleaner was unable to reach Brown-Burke for comment as calls and messages to her phone went unanswered.

We want to hear from you! Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169, email us at editors@gleanerjm.com or onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.