debut: 2/16/17
35,105 runs
Hard life in Beharry Trace
Residents without water, lights or paved roads
For nearly 30 people living in the recesses of New Grant, surviving has become a burden as they attempt to navigate life without access to basic amenities such as running water, electricity, the Internet or paved roads.
The seven families, including 17 children who have grown up within the confines of Dudley Beharry Trace, say they have grown frustrated and feel hampered by a lack of progress that has not been afforded to them for decades. Having made their homes on the land passed down through generations, they say they often feel cut off from society by the half-mile dirt-covered agricultural road that connects them to the rest of the rural community. Unable to afford to pay thousands to install utility connections, they said, they are forced to make do with water collected in three man-dug ponds, pitch oil lamps and flambeaux in lieu of electricity.
Following a TV6 report by journalist Cindy Raghubar-Teekersingh on villagers’ plight two weeks ago, residents said that they were visited by a Ministry of Agriculture staff member who assessed the road’s condition. A response from the ministry last week said the road was on its priority list.In addition, Charles said the report had prompted a response from the T&TEC, who last week indicated via telephone that the Commission would aid them in applying for the installation of lights and water, without charge.
The Express contacted the commission on Friday to confirm if it would be assisting residents but no immediate response was received.
Residents without water, lights or paved roads
For nearly 30 people living in the recesses of New Grant, surviving has become a burden as they attempt to navigate life without access to basic amenities such as running water, electricity, the Internet or paved roads.
The seven families, including 17 children who have grown up within the confines of Dudley Beharry Trace, say they have grown frustrated and feel hampered by a lack of progress that has not been afforded to them for decades. Having made their homes on the land passed down through generations, they say they often feel cut off from society by the half-mile dirt-covered agricultural road that connects them to the rest of the rural community. Unable to afford to pay thousands to install utility connections, they said, they are forced to make do with water collected in three man-dug ponds, pitch oil lamps and flambeaux in lieu of electricity.
Following a TV6 report by journalist Cindy Raghubar-Teekersingh on villagers’ plight two weeks ago, residents said that they were visited by a Ministry of Agriculture staff member who assessed the road’s condition. A response from the ministry last week said the road was on its priority list.In addition, Charles said the report had prompted a response from the T&TEC, who last week indicated via telephone that the Commission would aid them in applying for the installation of lights and water, without charge.
The Express contacted the commission on Friday to confirm if it would be assisting residents but no immediate response was received.
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