South Trelawny Residents Press for Road Repairs After Hurricane Melissa Breakaways

People living in South Trelawny say several damaged sections of roadway left behind by Hurricane Melissa last October are becoming more dangerous, and they are upset that repairs they were told to expect have not yet been carried out.

The hurricane reportedly created 16 breakaways in parts of South Trelawny, among them sections on the road connecting Albert Town and Lorrimers. Residents say months have passed since they were assured the broken areas would be restored, but they have seen little progress.

Hugh Dixon, who often uses the route between Albert Town and Christiana in Manchester, is among those complaining about the state of the road. He said the passage has become more risky as the damaged edges keep giving way.

“The roadway is treacherous. Each day, there is more breakaway. It is getting more dangerous as the single lane to pass is getting smaller each day. I hope that with the hurricane season approaching, we will be spared,” Dixon said.

Runnell Williams, another resident, said the neglected breakaways are a serious threat to drivers, especially people who do not know the road well.

“Each day I drive by I envision a vehicle running down the gully. The grass has covered them. We who know where they are can avoid them, but an unsuspecting driver could be in trouble,” Williams said.

Winston Smith, councillor for the Lorrimers Division, is also urging the relevant authorities to move on the matter.

“We got no allowance to do any work. I hope there will be no hurricane to worsen the situation,” Smith said.