Residents of certain parts of the Blygezeight area are being negatively affected by the ongoing works for the Sheriff Street-Mandela Avenue upgrade project.
As part of the road expansion project, drains within the area have had to be covered before more works can be done to complete the road project. However, according to residents, after pipes were put down in the drains and the drains were covered with sand and loam, no provisions were made to ensure proper drainage as subsequent to downpours last week, water has settled on the soil and has not moved. One woman, who asked not to be named, stated that the works have affected her business. The woman, who operates a bar, stated that the water has settled and has attracted mosquitoes to the area, which she considers bad for her business.
The Foo family, which resides along Upper David Street, Blygezeight had the bridge which previously connected their property to the Railway Embankment torn down as contractors stated it was necessary to facilitate the ongoing works. “They break off we bridge because they say they gotta work there but they said they gon build it back,” said Gary Foo.
A small farm, which is situated at the back of the Foo’s residence, has been flooded as the water has not drained off the lands and has nowhere to go. The garden, in which the family cultivates eggplants, ochros and other vegetables, has been flooded since last Saturday.
The Foos are not the only ones who have been affected by the water. Their neighbours’ backyards have all been flooded. Natasha Foo stated that in addition to most of the crops that were in the garden dying, they are being plagued by a mosquito infestation as the water has been a breeding ground for mosquitoes. “We does have to close up the windows from you see the place get dark, because the mosquitoes does start flying in early,” she said.
The residents believe that the contractors should have put the necessary preparations in place to prevent such situations from arising.
