Aranguez taxi drivers repair roads

MEMBERS of the Aranguez Taxi Drivers’ Association have taken it upon themselves to fix their roads.

Association president Ramchandra Temal told Newsday on Tuesday they had approached the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation about the roads several times, but nothing was done.
He said the frustrated drivers had no choice but to take action into their own hands for the safety of drivers and commuters. They have been doing road repairs for several years.

“It is the government’s responsibility, regardless of which party is in power, to fix the roads. Since 2015 we have not received any assistance,” Temal said.
About 90 taxis use the Aranguez main road on a daily basis, he added, servicing over 2,000 commuters.

Temal said, on several occasions the association visited the corporation to lobby for help but was told there were no resources for the job.

Councillor for the area Amit Sooknanan said while he commends the residents for their initiative, it is not their responsibility to provide a service that an elected government is supposed to supply.
He added the reason put forward by the corporation – lack of resources – is unbelievable.
"While it falls under the remit of the Ministry of Works, they (the corporation) have a duty to serve its burgesses as well.

"Some sort of help should be provided. We should not to be digging into our pockets to do this."
Temal added that the fare of $4 per person to commute on the main road and $6 to go off route does not compensate for their livelihoods and repairs to their cars.
"We fix the roads anyway because we have no choice. For us it is better this way.
"As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and we really can’t afford the high cost of vehicle repairs."

Sooknanan said the concrete they use is not the required material to fix the road but they cannot afford asphalt.
"What we are doing is against the law," he admitted. "We are not supposed to be tampering with the nation’s roadways. But no one seems to care."
He added this is just one concern the drivers face, and security concerns on the Aranguez, San Juan and Barataria taxi stands remain critical.

Since the murder of taxi driver Baliram Boodlal Balgobin last year, Sooknanan said, they have tried to get security cameras installed in the area.
Temal said they have been communicating with the police by letter but have had no responses. The latest letter was sent to the Commissioner of Police in August.
But, he said, "We will continue to do what we have to, and hope some assistance will come in at least one area of concern."

The association said it plans to hold a silent protest at a date to be announced. and hopes that if it shuts down the transport hub at the Croisee in San Juan, the authorities will see the severity of the drivers' concerns.
The corporation’s CEO and chairman could not be reached for comment.