Fix this road now

THE EDITOR: Open letter to the Director, Land and Water Development Division, Mausica Road, Centeno, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources. Dear Sir, Based on the recent budget speech, the emphasis was placed on accountability and transparency, access roads and food security for the nation. We are baffled by the Ministry’s decision to rehabilitate a road known as DeGannes Extension Trace where there is one active cocoa farmer and for which there was no authorisation for repairs. However, DeGannes and Jawahir Road where there are approximately 40 active farms was not addressed.

We are also aware that this road was approved for rehabilitation and repairs in 2004 and due to a certain Government minister’s influence the funds were re-directed and used for personal gains rather than assisting the farmers. We the farmers of DeGannes and Jawahir Road, Guaico are seeking your assistance in the rehabilitation of the said access road. The road is approximately 1.5km and is used by over 40 farmers. Our activities range from cultivating cocoa, coffee, citrus, livestock, food crops and horticulture. Over the years, several requests have been made to various agencies and the Ministry of Agriculture to have the road repaired. However the road has not been attended to and remains in a very deplorable state. We are eagerly awaiting your unbiased attention and response to this matter.

STANLEY MAHABIR
Farmers Representative