It is hard to imagine how the disabled living within the vicinity of the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation center (home of the physically challenged) and neighboring communities get around considering the roads and sidewalks were apparently not built to accommodate the disabled! The sidewalks leading from Papine to the rehabilitation center was hardly sufficient to walk on so the disabled traveling using wheelchairs would have a very challenging task commuting.
Work on the sidewalk from Elletson Flat to Irving gate UWI started about the end of 2014. It is unfortunate that the Job was not completed in time as the death of one of our artists could have been avoided. Marlon King, a jewelery maker, was hit and killed by a JUTC bus January 29, 2015 as he traveled along John Golding Road in his wheelchair. He was not able to use the sidewalks due to the accumulation of garbage at the entrance of Mona Common in combination with the then distasteful condition of the sidewalk. His death was an accident that could have been prevented.
After his death, work on the sidewalk has been expedited and now it is almost done, see the images below:
There were electricity poles in the middle of the sidewalk which made it impassable for the disabled. It would have been quite costly to remove all the poles. This is the method they used to solve the problem.
Garbage disposal site. Mr. King died here.
Looking very good so far
Cause for concern?
Vendors are already making use of the sidewalks! I personally observed a disabled man using the road instead of the sidewalk here. I am not certain whether or not it was because of the ‘barrier’ established by the vendors, but this needs to be addressed fast!
It would also be nice to have some feedback from the disabled especially regarding any possible suggestions for improvements or concerns.
– Aldeam Facey 2015
I am elated changes have been made but how long will the streets be kept clean?
These vendors need to be removed from the area so the disabled can travel safely.
We have addressed this matter constantly and nothing has been done to change these problems and if they are it’s temporary. A change need to be made for permanent changes, Jamaica need fi tap run like patty shap. -Brittany