Old Harbour Villa roads rehabilitated for the first time

Last week residents of Old Harbour Villa rejoiced exceedingly following the complete rehabilitation of the roads there - the first time since the creation of the community by the state in mid 1980s.

“It’s well deserved,” said one resident Enel, who is amongst the first settlers of the community in 1986. “To be frank I was never looking to see it fix. Even when they said they are going to fix it, I never believe.”

Enel’s comments encapsulate the general view of the community when Old Harbour News toured the community of just over 500 homes on Monday.

Like Enel, ‘Miss Uly’ was not prepared to give us her full name. But she recalled relocating with her five children in 1987 from Hart Street, Old Harbour into her own house bought through National Housing Trust (NHT) for a whopping $30,000 market price then.

“I am very elated. I am really happy about it,” said the homeowner in response to the overhauling of the roads once classified as a dust bowl during the dry season and mud ponds whenever it rains.

Since the restoration residents say children are experiencing happier times, as they are often seen riding their bicycles or skateboards; or playing football in the streets.

Another resident by the name Oniel said the benefits are immense.

“Yea man, we feel good,” he exclaimed during a chat at his gate on Lily Way. While busy cleaning up his car Oniel, who has been living in the community for more than 30 years, added: “Right away it bring up back the value of your place.”

“One a di time not even taxi was willing to turn off over here, worse if you live further down,” he added.

Amid the euphoria, though, a handful of residents remain disappointed. One of them is Herbert Page, a senior citizen and original settler who resides on Poinsetta Drive where a small section of the road was not fixed because of some ‘technicalities’. 

Following checks by Old Harbour News we were reliably informed that that section will be addressed in short order.

Page struck a cautious yet optimistic tone, saying “hopefully it will be rectified soon”.

Also of concern to residents are the indiscipline drivers who constantly speed along the long stretch of Villa Drive. The idea to install speed bumps is a general consensus shared by concerned residents. They have been told it is a matter for the St Catherine Municipal Corporation better known as the Parish Council.

That aside, however, it’s a smooth ride, walk or run upon entering Old Harbour Villa these days.