THE St Ann Municipal Corporation on Wednesday last allocated $5 million for emergency roadwork to be carried out in communities that were affected by heavy rains on Sunday, December 11.

The decision was made following complaints from three councillors about the condition of roads in their divisions.

Councillor for the Sturge Town Division Winston Lawrence said a number of roads in his division were impassable as a result of the heavy rains.

He said some areas in Knapdale and in Mt Edgecombe are in need of urgent attention because people could not drive to and from these areas.

“No vehicle can go into these areas; people are completely marooned in these areas. People are sick and need to go to the doctor,” a very passionate Lawrence stated.

While there were many theories as to what caused or contributed to the flooding in Runaway Bay, Lawrence said the drain at Mount Edgecombe had not been cleaned for some time and reasoned that this is what resulted in an overflow in Runaway Bay.

Councillor for the Dry Harbour Division, Carlton Ricketts said his division also needed urgent attention. Apart from the major breakaway along the Dumbarton main road, Ricketts said residents in the Bottom Common area of Queenhythe are marooned and have to walk from the area to access public transportation. He said emergency repairs were needed to facilitate vehicular traffic.

Ricketts added that residents in the Dumbarton area are also suffering because of the breakaway and said that this has resulted in their spending nearly twice the amount of money they would usually spend for public transportation.

“Even the school children are suffering,” he said.

The councillor said he hopes that the matter will be resolved over the Christmas season before the new school term begins.

Councillor for the Beecher Town division Ian Bell has also said several areas in his division needed attention due to the rains.

An estimate of damage is being done by the Municipal Corporation’s Roads and Works Department in order to get additional funding to carry out comprehensive repairs.

The National Works Agency is expected to address the major breakaway along the Dumbarton main road.