THERE was much optimism expressed by residents of Callaloo Mews in St Andrew on Wednesday as they were briefed about the upcoming community project, expected to bring relief to the area’s age-old housing and sanitation problems.

As American preacher/gospel singer Donnie McClurkin, the Perfecting Faith Missions leadership team and other partners who are part of the initiative toured the community, the rumbling thunder and the dark clouds foreshadowing imminent heavy rains cast fear among residents.

The residents told the Jamaica Observer that whenever it rains heavily, they are impacted by flooding, due to the poor drainage system in the area.

“When the rain fall right now, me and you couldn’t stand here. Water catch we above our ankles. When you hear rain going to fall you fret, man,” said 37-year-old Alecia Morris.

“I think the project is a really good idea. We need a proper drainage system more than ever. It is the big problem in the community,” she added.

At the same time, commenting on the lack of toilet facilities, she said: “It make the community look deplorable. We need the upliftment. When you get a place to live, you have no proper sewerage system, so you can’t set up your bathroom, so it’s as if you’re not living.”

The community project is expected to explore the possibility of better housing and bathroom facility placements and also establish a feeding programme for the children on the streets who are lacking consistent care and provision and consequently provide a safe place for them to have a nutritious meal each day.

Like Morris, 71-year-old Kenneth Lobban was also frustrated about the poor drainage system.

“The drainage is a major problem. We were flooded the other day with the heavy rains; my house was full of water. The gully needs a retaining wall, as well,” he said.

A 45-year-old who requested anonymity said, “I want them to fix up the gully because when the rain fall the water run in our house and flood it out. We cannot come out of our house when rain fall.”

Further, another resident who has been there for 49 years, said the breakfast programme would be welcomed.

“It would be great for the entire community – not only for the basic school but other students from other schools. The children would have a good meal before they go to school,” the resident said.

During the tour, McClurkin, his team, and other officials visited the Callaloo Mews Basic School, as well as some houses with poor bathroom facilities.

Giving an overview of his site visit, McClurkin said, “I am meeting the real people in the community. People will look at the condition and judge it by the condition instead of judging it by the people. The people are the key because they are not just sitting by idly, they are changing the community. It is not a fast work. It may take years but they are committed.”

“They don’t have a crime rate like other places such as Trench Town and Spanish Town.When you look at it from one side, you’d say, ‘What is happening?’. But when you look at it from the eye of the people, you can see life coming to this community,” he said.