Democratic Labour Party candidate for St Michael North West Ryan Walters is zeroing in on issues
of housing and infrastructure facing the constituents.
Speaking to the Sunday Sun as he canvassed through the Deacon’s Farm neighbourhood yesterday, Walters pointed to a number of issues which he said will be addressed if given the opportunity to do so.
While roadworks and pothole patching remained a hot-button topic, the candidate, who is no stranger to the area, pointed out that one of the biggest issues affecting the constituency relates to outstanding delays in the transfer of ownership to residents involved in Government’s 20-year-old rent to own programme.
These issues affect residents in housing estates from Deacons Farm, Rosemont and Golden Acres in
St Michael.
“Persons are very concerned, because a lot of them have reached 20 years paying rent and now when it’s time to transfer ownership into their families it has been delayed or stalled in some way, form or fashion,” he explained.
The other issue relates to the dilapidated state of the former National Housing Corporation Depot in Deacon’s Farm which Walters said was a crucial point of support for residents.
“When a person wanted some minor repairs to their home, they would come here, speak to the officer or one of the workers, and they will be attended to. Over the years, the service has dwindled, but now it has come to absolute halt, so the people now have very little recourse, if any at all, but to do the work themselves.”
Upgrades to infrastructure was another issue Walters raised, as he pointed to potholes, a lack of signage for motorists and a lack of zebra crossings for pedestrians near the YWCA located at the Deacons Development Project.
“You can see the community resource centre that has been closed from June 2019. There is no access to the residents here and no access for residents in surrounding areas to come there, learn the skill or do
a trade.
Walters said his relationship with the people of St Michael North West has been solid since he first signalled his intention to represent the constituency in the 2018 general election. Through the years of meetings and discussions he has learned the crux of their issues and believes that the people are looking for real representation.
“It has been a good relationship. It has grown over the years. Obviously, we had the snap election in 2022 but, since then, I’ve solidified a lot of relationships. I’m happy that I am confident that the people want real representation and I’m confident I understand the needs of the residents and that there are things that can be done,” he added. (JRN)
