Frustrated Moruga residents block roads with burning debris

Residents of Indian Walk in Moruga burnt debris in the road early on Monday to highlight their frustration over delayed road repairs and overall deplorable conditions.

From around 5 am, they began burning debris in different areas of the Moruga Road, at Perry Young Road, Ramdhanie Road and Contention Road.

Princes Town fire and police officers cleared the debris.

But as soon as they left, residents returned and burnt more debris.

Drivers used alternative routes to get in and out of the area.

The incomplete work is part of the Moruga Road Rehabilitation Project, which extends from Petit Café to Marac Village.

An affected resident, Denise Ramsumair, 51, told Newsday dust from the roadworks was affecting the family’s health.

"I am eating dust and I am sleeping in the dust. The whole house is dust. I live directly opposite the construction site. It is terrible.

"About two weeks ago, I had to rush my 22-year-old daughter, to the hospital because of allergies caused by the dust. My husband is a sickly man."

Only a few days ago, Ramsumair said, she spoke to a safety officer at the site about the problem.

"When the work started, we did not have a problem. We were very co-operative.

"But it is overbearing now, and no officials are coming to speak to us. I have a brand-new car, and recently I spent $7,000 to fix it."

Another resident, Davey James, also complained about dust and bad roads.

"This all started around October last year. The dust was overbearing. I am getting headaches and all the neighbours are also getting sick. There are three businesses, a car wash, a hair salon and hardware, also directly affected," James said.

He added the businesses are losing sales, as people are using other routes.

"I do not know what the problem is concerning the work. People are hearing something about criminal elements. I do not know if the workers are not being paid. Sometimes they work only one day for the week. Once in a blue moon, they would work for an entire week," Davey added.

MP for Moruga/Tableland Dr Lovell Francis commented in a post on his Facebook page,

"Whilst I fully understand the frustration of residents please note that as I explained last week, work stalled on site because of the unwanted intrusion of our local criminal elements.

"However, law enforcement is putting contingencies in place and the contractor has promised to commence paving the road tomorrow. Thank you and enjoy your day."