RADHICA DE SILVA
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Police and firefighters are currently trying to dismantle multiple fiery road blockades across Barrackpore, Princes Town and St Mary’s as residents, farmers and taxi drivers continue to stage protests, today.
They are protesting to highlight deplorable road conditions, poor drainage and flooding in the region.
The protests started around 8 am at Poui Trace in St Mary’s. Residents chopped down trees and dragged them to the centre of the roadway along with heaps of tyres, derelict vehicles and old appliances.
It later spread to Gunness Trace, Rochard Douglas Road and Moruga Main Road near La Lune Village.
Among those caught in the blockades was a Nutrimix trucker who was on his way to deliver 10,000 pounds of animal feeds to farmers.
Farmer Arnold Maraj said the natural watercourses in the area had been blocked by villagers, resulting in extensive flooding.
"I lost 25 crates of bearing cabbages and 20 crates of nursery cabbages that were already cultivated and fertilized," he said.
Maraj said the ones who blocked watercourses should be held responsible. He called on the Ministry of Works and the Princes Town Regional Corporation to clear the drains and fix the roads.
Another resident, Deonarine Singh of Poui Road, said natural watercourses have been blocked by ad hoc development.
"The Ministry of Works also did some work nearby and changed the watercourse. They have been trying to get the water uphill." he told Guardian Media.
He said after the residents staged protests two weeks ago, a backhoe was brought in, but minimal work was done.
"The backhoe was removed and is now at a construction site where they are building a new cemetery," he said.
He also accused the Corporation of doing sub-standard work.
Guardian Media will bring you more as this story unfolds.