Round Hill cries out for good roads

August 26, 2021
Adier Byfield, of Round Hill, Clarendon, is hopeful that the neglect of the road in his community will soon be a thing of the past.
Adier Byfield, of Round Hill, Clarendon, is hopeful that the neglect of the road in his community will soon be a thing of the past.
Glenroy Anderson, businessman of Round Hill, Clarendon, said the poor state of the road has prevented him from expanding his business.
Glenroy Anderson, businessman of Round Hill, Clarendon, said the poor state of the road has prevented him from expanding his business.
A section of the roadway in Round Hill, Clarendon. 	Photos by Nathaniel Stewart
A section of the roadway in Round Hill, Clarendon. Photos by Nathaniel Stewart
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The lush vegetation and beautiful mountain scenery are contrasting tales of the woes of residents in Round Hill, northern Clarendon. Residents are lamenting the conditions of the road, adding that they have been forgotten by their political representatives.

One resident, Adier Byfield, said, "The road is appalling. It is atrocious, it is disgusting, and we have had many, many promises about somebody fixing the road, and that hasn't come to being."

Byfield said the road has caused several damage to her vehicle and that it hinders the ability of residents to access essential services.

"Both my husband and I, we have comorbidities, and we are always going off to the hospital -- either to Mandeville, Kingston or May Pen -- and I sometimes have to leave in the early hours of the morning, and you don't know when you're going to run off the road, it is so bad."

Improper garbage disposal is another issue residents attribute to the road conditions, stating that the deplorable roads have deterred public transportation and a garbage truck from coming into the area.

"A truck used to pass through and pick up the garbage and it stopped, because this is not a road. We really need somebody to come look at it and to fix so that we can drive," Byfield said.

Farmers, who are forced to pay extra in transportation costs, believe they are among the worst affected. One farmer, Lennon Blake, said, "The road is so bad, so we need Mr Sibblies to come in now and do his work," he said.

Tony Lewars said farmers are forced to pool money to pay exorbitant fees to have their goods transported to May Pen, the parish capital.

"It's costing the higglers more to come in because of the transportation -- their vehicles mashing up and all kinds of things. The taxi men come to Brae Head (neighbouring community), and they won't come up here because of the road. If they come up here, it's an extra $500," he said, adding that the journey from Round Hill to Brae Head is a mile long.

Noel Nembhard, councillor for the Kellits division in which Round Hill falls, said efforts are being made to have the roads addressed.

"It's not like we are neglecting anybody. To be frank, the road is really bad, but we are working to get it fixed," he said.

Member of Parliament for Clarendon Northern Dwight Sibblies said that roadworks have been done in the area, and more will be done to address the issues being faced by Round Hill residents.

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