Community Focus: Living in danger - Lookout residents want main road to be fixed

The people of Lookout in Hanover are now seeking answers after a road rehabilitation project to restore the main entrance to the community came to a halt.

Western STAR understands that almost a year ago, a major section of the main road leading into the quiet hilltop district was swept away by the swift currents of the Bamboo River following heavy rains in the area.

According to the residents, the community was isolated for some time until they resorted to using a less-than-ideal back entrance that has proven to be a threat to lives, especially when it rains.

"This road that we have to use now is on a long, steep hill, and when rain fall, nothing can come up, be it car, van or truck," said Ian Beckford.

NO TAXIS IN THE RAIN

"The people have to wait until the rain ease up before them can go them yard because no taxi not coming up here when it rain or even when the road wet because it slippery. And they don't want the vehicle full a passengers to run down back the hill," he added.

The residents explained that it is difficult to live in an area that is potentially dangerous.

"You find that because the hill is so steep, if a fire start up here, no fire trucks can come, and no ambulance can come up," said a man who gave his name as Chambers.

"Garbage truck stop come since the main road wash away because it can't climb up this steep hill. People have to be paying a driver $500 to carry down them garbage. It rough, man. If rain fall, everybody have to sit down a Hopewell until it done," he added.

Businesses in the community are also being affected. Ruth Ellis, who operates a small shop, outlined that she is often stuck outside the community when the back road is wet.

"Sometimes goods must come up, and I can't get the drive because the drivers don't want come up here if the rain start drizzle," said Ellis.

"I can't come up. Sometimes we have to walk on the steep hill, and me a old woman. We can't go out and come in as we like. We need to know what is going on because we well want that section of the main road to be fixed," she added.

"We need the authorities to take this matter seriously because it come in like we live in a wilderness," said Chambers.