Residents of Half Moon Fort, St Lucy, have voiced growing concerns over the ongoing roadworks in their community, raising issues with the lack of communication about the repairs and the inadequate provision of detour routes.
The project, which began in January, involves the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) replacing water mains in the area. However, many residents claimed they were not informed about the road closures and the limited access routes to their homes.
Ian Griffith, funeral director and owner of Earl’s Funeral Home, expressed his frustration with the lack of public notification and the disrupting of access to his business.
He told the Sunday Sun that while he had been informed about the roadworks in Checker Hall during a meeting at the Salvation Army last year, no details were shared regarding the start date for the Half Moon Fort and Sherman’s sections of the project.
Griffith said he had inquired about the plans for the area and was told by BWA officials that arrangements would be made, but as the work began, it became clear that those plans were not effectively communicated.
“I asked about the plans because this section of Half Moon Fort and Sherman’s is very small. The response was that they would put things in place,” Griffith said. “But there has been no real coordination with the residents and it has affected my customers.”
At the scene, Griffith himself had to divert several cars and direct motorists around the “Road Closed” sign.
Direct traffic
He suggested that BWA personnel should be stationed at key points to direct traffic more efficiently.
“Several people had to stop their cars and walk to their destinations because they didn’t know where to go,” Griffith said. “We need better communication.
“The Ministry of Transport and Works should be properly coordinating these works, especially in a residential area like ours.”
He also proposed an alternative route from Clinketts back to Half Moon Fort to ease the congestion caused by the closures, an idea that some residents, including his customers, have also supported.
Jeffrey Howell, another resident, also spoke out about the lack of detour options for the community. He lives at the bottom of a hill and was unable to access his home due to the impassable roads.
“How am I supposed to get home?” he asked.
“They should leave an access road so people who live here aren’t inconvenienced.”
He said that he wasn’t upset about the work itself but was merely asking for proper road access to his home.
Meanwhile, one resident of Crab Hill, who was walking along the road, said she had to walk a long distance to catch a van for work, as the bus no longer passed through the area because of the roadworks.
Despite the inconvenience, she expressed understanding, acknowledging the long-term benefits the project would bring in alleviating the water issues in the community.
Marcia Greaves, a worker at the Half Moon Fort Fish Market, echoed those sentiments.
“We want the water fixed, so we have to live with it. Yes, it’s a little inconvenient, but we’ve had brown water for years. Now that it’s getting fixed, I’m not complaining,” she said.
In response to the complaints, the BWA said it had posted updates on its social media accounts.
It confirmed that the section from Judge Gap to Half Moon Fort Primary School would be reopened daily from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and afterward, work would continue between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the remainder of the project period.
Additionally, the BWA issued a public notice about work in St Lucy and St Peter, explaining that traffic diversions would be in place, and access to the affected roads would be limited to local residents, public transport, and emergency vehicles.
The notice also confirmed that work would continue until April 12, excluding Good Friday, today and tomorrow.
The BWA apologised for any inconvenience caused by the works, saying it understood the frustrations of residents and would strive to improve communication.
(AJ)
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