POOR SURFACE, OVERFLOWING SEWAGE, LACK OF MAINTENANCE CITED BY VENDORS, TRANSPORT OPERATORS
Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie and Minister in the Ministry of Economic Growth Matthew Samuda were joined by councillors and St Ann Municipal Corporation (SAMC) officials on a tour of the Ocho Rios Bus Park, on Thursday, January 25.
The tour comes after a demonstration Wednesday, January 24 in which shop owners, bus, and taxi operators protested against the state of the bus park in the resort town.
On Thursday, ahead of the ministers arriving, clean-up was taking place, including cutting of overgrowth. Marl was dropped in the park for repairs.
The vendors and transport operators in their protests highlighted water-filled potholes on the roadways and taxi lanes, overflowing sewage system, blocked drains, and a general lack of maintenance of the grounds. They also pointed to the number of homeless people and drug addicts who have made the park their home.
Vendors who rent shops in the park said the conditions contributed to the number of shops that were closed because taxi operators and their passengers were avoiding the park. Some of the protestors carried placards calling for repairs to the park.
On Friday, January 26, Minister of Transport Daryl Vaz is also set to tour the bus park.
On Thursday’s tour, there were also several councillors and the officers of the SAMC, including the Chief Engineering Officer.
See video of the officials at the bus park
Photos by Leon ‘Bunny’ Bailey
