Some of the outdated computers at the Troja Primary and Junior High School that are still being kept in storage.

Despite not having a problem with crime in their area, residents of Troja, St Catherine, say they are in need of better roads and a police station in the community.

A farmer from the area, who identified himself as Maxwell, said that the bad road condition in the area is the biggest headache for residents, especially those who commute.

"Di road dem is very bad. I normally pay a van man or a truck man to move my crops to di market and dem always a complain about di road dem. I don't know about anybody else, but no water is in the pipes. Some persons still have to go to the spring to catch water," Maxwell said.

During a tour of the community recently, George Anderson, 75, reasoned that there was once a police station in the area, but the building deteriorated and was later abandoned.

Residents who need to make reports to the police have to go to the Riversdale Police Station which is also in the parish.

"Di community gone down to frazzle, and a so me talk it. Banana and all those crops that use to grow here gone down from di train stop run inna di area. We want back the station because if there is any housebreaking, robbery or fire, what do we do? By the time we go to the Riversdale Police Station, whatever is to happen gone bad already," Anderson said.

Another resident, Andrea Allen, said that the police station is necessary for added safety for the residents in the area.

JOBLESS

A farmer in the area skillfully balances a bunch of bananas on his head. - Ian Allen photos

"Sometimes, a resident might need to report a matter and that person will have to make that report elsewhere. The roads are very bad, kids can't go to school, things are very hard because a lot of persons don't have any jobs," Allen said.

THE STAR also made a stop at the Troja Primary and Junior High School and principal,Vivian Jackson, said the institution's enrichment programme has been a tremendous help for the students.

Jackson said that on the downside, however, the school is still using pit latrines.

"The Jamaica Social Investment Fund has found the funds to give the school a better bathroom facility, but based on a survey done, the project cannot be completed until a retaining wall is built. We are in need of assistance to put up the retaining wall," Jackson said.

The principal said that the school is in need of computers, and he also highlighted the poor Internet coverage and deplorable roads.

Meanwhile, guidance counsellor at the school, Sonia Holness, who said she has been teaching since 1981, added that she is grateful for the set of students who she mentors.

"Our students have the typical behavioural problems. We have had a number of girls who get pregnant at grade eight or nine for older men or for boys who recently left high school," Holness said.

Kevin Williams, another resident who does farming, said that he has no problem with the absence of a police station in the area; instead he has an issue with the bad roads that are hampering progress.

A pit latrine being used at the school.