TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Not even a persistent drizzle could cool tensions as scores of irate Salt Marsh residents mounted an early Monday morning roadblock, protesting the lack of piped water from National Water Commission (NWC) lines since the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Residents used large boulders and an old car to block the roadway, rendering it impassable. The roadblock has affected commuters, including students and workers from nearby communities such as Davis Pen and Johnson Hill in Trelawny, as well as Goodwill, Chatham and Adelphi in St James, all of whom rely on the thoroughfare to commute to Falmouth and Montego Bay.

Protesters say the absence of water has impacted households along the stretch of road from near Salt Marsh Primary School into sections of the adjoining Davis Pen community.

Frustrated residents also complained that, despite having to purchase trucked water from private suppliers, they continue to receive monthly NWC bills.

Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force are currently on the scene.

— Horace Hines