Pavements are in a deplorable condition

THE EDITOR: As a concerned citizen of this beautiful twin island of Trinidad and Tobago, I have had the pleasure to trod through the streets of Port-of-Spain and have noted that the stores and malls that have been erected in the recent years and months possess a certain amount of appeal about them and are a pleasant sight to behold. However, the pavements have been neglected. Only the younger members of our population seem to be able to manoeuvre through the rugged terrain of highs and lows, sudden drops, holes and pieces of plumbing that stick out. These pavements neither cater to the needs of the differently-abled, nor are they suited for the elderly in our country. Even the extreme highs and lows of some or should I say most pavements become a very real challenge for the elderly, and differently abled in our nation.

I would like to know who is responsible for the building of pavements and what is the stipulated height requirement? Is it that the persons responsible do not have the privilege of walking the pavements of Port-of-Spain to experience what the average elderly or differently-abled have to deal with, so they couldn’t care less? It is the government’s responsibility to look after the needs of every citizen in this country. It is very unfair to the elderly who have made a priceless contribution to this society to be so treated. We have had and continue to have oil money flowing through our country and as such we have no excuse to give to those who may ask why our pavements are in such deplorable condition.

MARVA QUAMIE
Cascade