The open hole with eight drums in front of Barry’s Key and Cycle Shop, part of the ongoing BWA project.

The open hole with eight drums in front of Barry’s Key and Cycle Shop, part of the ongoing BWA project.

Ongoing Road Work at the corner of Roebuck Street the City.

Ongoing Road Work at the corner of Roebuck Street the City.

Barber Aaron Roach sitting in his empty shop along Roebuck Street eating a sandwich. In the background, the shop is empty as a result of BWA work in roebuck Street.

Barber Aaron Roach sitting in his empty shop along Roebuck Street eating a sandwich. In the background, the shop is empty as a result of BWA work in roebuck Street.

Business owners frustrated with BWA

FRUSTRATED business owners in Roebuck Street are unsatisfied with the prolonged water works project by the Barbados Water Authority, and are pleading for urgent solutions to this matter.

This project dates as far back as August 2015 and at present is still undergoing. The constant digging up of different areas in Roebuck street is causing businesses to suffer due to the high levels of dust and low traffic, whilst making others sick.

Store owner, Barry Wilson, of Barry’s Key and Cycle Shop, told The Barbados Advocate during a recent interview, “Since August last year, this water works project has been going on with no end in sight. Recently, they came out on the news and promised it will be finished within a month, but that time has elapsed and it is still ongoing.”

“At present, there is a big open hole surrounded by eight drums at the front of my shop. Whenever the wind blows or the dust is stirred up, everything comes in.”

He stated, “I was sick two weeks ago with a chest infection, a cold and a stuffed nose, as a direct result of all the dust flying around because of the digging up of the road. It is only me running the business, and when I am sick I still have to open the shop; I can’t stay home and rest.”

He pointed out, “Not only is my health being affected but so is my business. The position of the drums in front of my shop directly blocks the site of the shop, and affects customers coming into the shop, especially the ones who drive. The constant dust is also a problem, and persons prefer to just avoid the area of Roebuck street and go elsewhere. As a result, I am getting low sales and little to no customers.”

Just down the road from Barry’s Cycle and Key Shop, The Barbados Advocate spoke to Aaron Roach, a barber at Classy Clippers Barber Shop. He said, “Right now, I am sick. My health is suffering. My nose is blocked up and I have a bad sinus infection, because of all the dust blowing up in your face from the constant digging.”

“Business has also slowed down tremendously. We are not getting customers. We are losing money. People are avoiding Roebuck Street. Few persons are venturing into the shop because of the dust. One time persons would come and park next to the shop to get their hair cut, now that is no more.”

“I have to eat and this is serious. I cannot make money because there are no customers. My health is another issue. Something needs to be done urgently about this situation.”

Another business owner stated, “My concern is not only about the dust and decreased sales but an ominous odour attached to the pipes. The scent is strong and disconcerting and just adds to everything else. It is too much.”

 

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000