For eight years, Jolene Toney has watched her dream home in Carapan face one persistent problem: a poorly maintained main road. As the proud owner of a burgeoning Airbnb business, Toney’s hopes for success are being thwarted by the very infrastructure that should support her venture.
When Jolene Toney built her home in Carapan, she joined a small but growing community. Despite the presence of several single-family homes, the main access road remained unpaved, a situation she assumed would be temporary. “I took it in good faith that as the community developed, attention would be paid to the main access road,” Toney remarked in an exclusive interview with Asberth News Network.
The lack of development has turned into a significant issue for Toney, whose Airbnb business is suffering as a result. The road is not just an inconvenience; it poses a serious safety risk. “My main concern is that the community is growing and poor road access poses a risk to the residents in times of major emergencies, like health emergencies,” Toney explained.
Living in the diaspora has limited Toney’s ability to address these issues in person. Despite reaching out to the area representative via social media, her concerns have been met with silence. “I was positive that was not the best avenue, but I had no other option,” she said. The frustration is palpable in her voice as she recounts the lack of response and the ongoing neglect.
The stakes are higher now as Toney’s Airbnb business is directly impacted. With the demand for accommodation surging during cricket and carnival seasons, the poor condition of the road is a major deterrent for potential guests. “The poor road access is the biggest setback for my guests in terms of safety getting in and out of the area. It also poses a health risk if the unfortunate happens,” Toney emphasized.
The road’s condition has become a glaring obstacle to her business success. Toney’s property, which could be a prime location for tourists during peak seasons, is instead a less attractive option due to the treacherous drive. “It’s incredibly frustrating to see such potential go to waste,” she said. “Guests are looking for safe and reliable access, which I simply can’t guarantee with the road in its current state.”
Asberth News Network also caught up with Kenroy Peters, another resident of Carapan, who echoed Toney’s concerns. “The road is terrible and needs urgent attention,” Peters stated firmly. The condition of the road not only hampers daily commutes but also poses a severe threat during emergencies.
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, voiced a community-driven solution. “If we get the materials, we would do the work ourselves,” they said, highlighting the residents’ willingness to take matters into their own hands if given the necessary resources. This sentiment underscores the community’s desperation and readiness to improve their living conditions despite the lack of official support.
As Carapan continues to develop, the need for proper infrastructure becomes increasingly urgent. For residents like Toney and Peters, the road is more than just a path to their homes; it’s a vital lifeline that affects daily life and business operations. The lack of action on this front is not just a matter of convenience but a pressing safety concern.
Jolene Toney’s story is a stark reminder of the broader implications of neglected infrastructure. It highlights the critical need for local authorities to address such issues promptly and effectively. As the community grows, so too should the efforts to ensure it is supported by safe and reliable infrastructure.
For now, Toney remains hopeful but vigilant, advocating for the changes that will not only benefit her business but also enhance the quality of life for all Carapan residents. “We deserve better,” she said. “And I’ll keep pushing until we get the road we need.”
As the interview concludes, it is clear that Jolene Toney’s resilience and determination are as solid as the foundation of her home. However, without the support of local government to improve the road, her business—and the community’s safety—remains on shaky ground.
