Senior Reporterkevon.felmine@guardian.co.tt
With their roads falling apart and taps running dry, Lengua residents took to the streets of Princes Town yesterday, calling on the authorities to treat them fairly.
After staging an early placard protest at Sahadath Road, the residents embarked on a 5km motorcade to highlight their living conditions along Sahadath Road, Realize Road, Mandingo Road and Lengua Road, until they reached the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) Malgretoute Booster Station.
Spokesman Hazrat Khan said the Lengua community formed a committee to address road and water issues, as they are not enjoying the benefits of their hard work and taxes. Khan said residents suffered many years for a consistent pipe-borne water supply, recalling the community had water in their taps for one day in just under two months. He said since the committee started raising issues, some residents were getting water regularly, surmising it was because of the “noise” they were making.
“When we talk about our health and safety, we cannot enjoy that in our community,” Khan said.
He questioned if they were really part of Trinidad, as he claimed people living in the north benefit from an adequate water supply and smooth roads while rural southerners are neglected.
He said WASA representatives visited the community and explained the issues. However, Khan said residents pay WASA to provide results. The committee hopes to meet with the Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT) soon or vowed to escalate its protest.
“We have asked to meet the ministers to talk to them, and on the 27th of this month, I expect that we will meet with them this month, somewhere in the locality. We hope that by meeting with them, we expect these problems will be resolved. That is our hope.”
Lengua Road resident Crystal Charles, said while there is sometimes water on the line, it does not reach residents’ taps, and busted lines are destroying people’s homes and the roads. She said they often cannot wash and cook until a truck-borne supply reaches or water is on the line.
“A lot of dust. A lot of mud. When rain falls, a lot of mud comes down in our yard. My neighbours do not even have a walkway to walk into our homes; they have to pass through our yard.
“Their children have to pass over a drain every single day to get into their homes. It is very uncomfortable for us as a people,” Charles said.
Bhagwandeen said while the MOWT wants their cars to be roadworthy, the roads are not carworthy.