leeanna.maharaj@guardian.co.tt
Residents of Brasso Venado are fearful that their community will be completely cut off from the rest of the country, as two landslides on their main road continue to destroy their only avenue in the village.
On Saturday night, a 60-year-old resident, Dhanmatie Guy, passed away, however, both an ambulance and hearse were unable to get to her residence due to the impassable road.
A second hearse came and was only able to drive on the main road because some villagers decided to take matters into their own hands.
“Out of goodwill, the villagers from Brasso Venado, came together and packed stones, pieces of wood, packed pieces of bricks, and pitch, just to make this road passable for the other hearse to pass,” said Marilyn Villafana, president of the Brasso Venado Village Council.
One landslide on the Brasso Venado Main Road is located near Navarro Road and the other is within the vicinity of the Brasso Venado Radar Tower. Both landslides occurred last weekend due to the inclement weather. Since then, the Brasso Venado Secondary School has been closed, because teachers and students cannot pass to get there.
“About a week now, school was closed, and the children cannot go to school. They are deprived of tests, they are deprived of Christmas cheers to say, and the teachers cannot pass either, it’s at their own risk, but still even if you come, you cannot pass,” said Villafana, who is also the retired principal of the school.
The Rotary Club of Chaguanas had planned a Christmas party for children in the community, however, it had to be postponed due to the broken road.
The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) visited the community on Sunday to repair some leaks, however, Villafana said she does not think they will be able to return if the road’s condition worsens.
“You know how many calls I made during the course of the day? I call WASA, call the Ministry of Works, etcetera. As the school was closed, the relevant authorities were aware of what is happening, but nobody did anything. We are the forgotten village,” Villafana lamented.
“I am calling on the relevant authorities, oh gosh please hear us nah, for once in your life please hear us, we need help here,” she said.
She said that the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation (CTTRC) Chairman, Henry Awong, has been trying his best to liaise with the Ministry of Works and Transport, however, nothing has been done.