Junction main road blocked as residents protest for electricity

The Junction main road in St Mary is now impassable after irate residents chopped down trees and used them to block the thoroughfare in protest of the lack of electricity.

The residents say electricity was disrupted during the passage of hurricane Beryl on July 3, and the situation has been compounded by extremely humid conditions and mosquitoes.

The police say the residents took to the street from as early as 4 a.m. Monday, in what they theorise is a planned protest. The residents chopped down trees and dumped old refrigerators and other forms of debris at strategic locations along the Junction main road to voice their frustration. 

Member of Parliament (MP) for South East St Mary, Dr Norman Dunn, who spoke to The Gleaner, pointed out that the alternative route is now through Grande Hole to Scotts Hall and up to Richmond, leading through Highgate then down to the Westmoreland bridge.

The MP stated that it is a very frustrating period for residents living along that corridor who have been without power for about 18 days, and he is appealing for the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to step up its restoration efforts. 

"It requires a level of assurance that attention will be given to that corridor. These residents are by no means unreasonable, and as the saying goes, who feels it knows. And they are the ones feeling it," commented Dunn.

The areas affected so far are Devon Pen, Castleton, Toms River, Friendship Gap, and the road to Broadgate. 

"I really sympathise with the residents. Every effort will be made to open it (the roadblocks) as quickly as possible once we dialogue with the people. I am appealing on behalf of the residents for JPS to hasten their footsteps as this is a very difficult situation," Dunn said.

- Gareth Davis

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