Residents of Mahaica Market Street are raising strong objections over what they call a complete mishandling of the reconstruction of their once-functional two-lane road, which has now been reduced to a dangerously narrow “alleyway.” The complaints highlight a growing frustration with the Ministry of Public Works and their contractors, who are accused of poor planning, unprofessional conduct, and disregard for the community’s needs.
“I try to stay away from politics, but this situation is unacceptable,” said one resident. “The Mahaica Market Street is a major thoroughfare, with an abattoir and constant two-way traffic. But the contractors are reducing it to something barely wide enough for two small cars to squeeze by.”
The photos circulating on social media paint a clear picture of the chaos. Vehicles are seen teetering precariously on the unfinished edges of the road, and one grey Hilux reportedly fell off the side entirely. There is no signage to indicate road closures or ongoing construction, leaving residents and drivers to navigate the confusion themselves.
“This is what happens when contracts are handed out to friends and family with no real expertise,” another resident fumed. “How can they turn a major two-lane street into an alleyway? This nonsense is happening all over. It’s irresponsible, and it needs to stop.”
The consequences of these narrow roads extend beyond inconvenience. Safety concerns abound as drivers struggle to navigate the reduced width, and the lack of proper planning raises serious questions about the long-term viability of such projects. “It’s just bad work, plain and simple,” said another resident. “How are emergency vehicles supposed to pass through? What happens during heavy traffic? This is a disaster waiting to happen.”
Residents have also criticized the ministry’s apparent lack of accountability, with many pointing fingers at decision-makers who seem out of touch with the community’s needs. “This is what power drunk leadership looks like,” one commenter noted. “They’re more concerned about getting projects done quickly than getting them done right. But y’all days are numbered.”
The frustrations echo broader concerns about infrastructure projects across the country, where corners are often cut, and communities are left to deal with the fallout. “The Ministry of Public Works needs to do better. This is not just a street; this is our home and our livelihood,” another resident said passionately.
As the concrete dries on what has already become a symbol of poor governance and mismanagement, the residents of Mahaica Market Street are left wondering when, if ever, their voices will be heard. They are demanding immediate intervention to address the road’s dangerous and impractical design before the situation worsens.
The Ministry of Public Works has yet to comment on the matter. However, residents are calling for accountability and a return to proper two-lane roadways that reflect the needs of the community.
