RADHICA DE SILVA
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Four houses have tumbled into a gaping precipice at Wharwell Road, Tableland, and, as heavy rains continue, further slippage is occurring, putting two more houses in grave danger.
Frustrated with a lack of response by the authorities, residents pooled $17,000 last month and did rehabilitative work themselves, allowing narrow access along the collapsed road.
But, this has not been enough as the May showers have caused deep cracks along the passageway.
When CNC3 News visited the community on Wednesday morning, residents were in distress.
Russell Lookhoor whose home is leaning precariously refused to come outside.
"We protested several times this year and they did nothing to the road. People don't have much hope," his neighbour Rekha Harbajan explained.
Her home, a two-story concrete structure has also started to crack.
However, the elderly people in the community said they were worried about the lack of access.
Devakinandan Seepaul, 75, added: " I'm sickly and I am worried that if something happens to me inside here, no ambulance can come in."
Another resident Hymraj Sookoo said pine farmers were also finding it difficult to get produce out.
Officials of the Ministry of Works visited the landslip last week and took measurements. The residents are calling on the Works Minister Rohan Sinanan to assist them before they lose more properties.
