SASCHA WILSON
Several areas in Rousillac and Mon Desir were blocked with burning debris as residents protested over bad roads.
Lamenting that they have had enough, the residents called on Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan to commence urgent repairs.
"The residents of Grants Road are very angry. We need the road to be fixed. In 2020, they did work on the road after fiery protests, that is why we have to be here again to do the said thing—protest," one resident told Guardian Media.
She said some school bus drives have refused to work in the area and those that do charge extra money.
Residents of Grant Trace in Rousillac want Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan to expedite urgently needed repairs to roads in their area. [Image by RISHI RAGOONATH]
She added that motorists are forced to do daily repairs to their vehicles. Another issue, she said is flooding due to poor drainage.
"Rohan Sinanan need to find his [...] here. This is not the last protest. Point Fortin protested and their road fix already. We need the same thing in Grants Road," she added.
Mon Desir Councillor Derrick Bowen said Grants Road is a main artery from the new Point Fortin highway.
He said there were several craters as deep as two feet. Another issue, he said, is that due to the highway works, the drainage system in the area has been damaged.
Firefighters spray foam to remove oil that was thrown on the road by residents of Grants Road in Rousillac, during a fiery protest for better road conditions, on Wednesday. [Image by RISHI RAGOONATH]
According to Councillor Bowen, Minister Sinanan had promised him, Otaheite/Rousillac councillor Jared Mohammed, as well as the residents that the roads in the area will be maintained during the highway construction. However, Bowen says the minister failed to keep his promise.
The Mon Desir Councillor said the ministry also indicated to him that several months ago a contract was awarded to repair the road but that they cannot source bitumen.
And Otaheite/Rousillac Councillor Jared Mohammed said residents are fed up.
He told Guardian Media that since 2 am today, the police were in the area, reportedly intimidating residents. Councillor Mohammed he was informed that three people were arrested.
Meanwhile, residents pledge to continue their protests until repair work commences.