AS THE general election draws closer, many residents in the South Manchester constituency believe that more programmes to upgrade their communities' social infrastructure could have been undertaken over the past five years.

Poor road conditions, inadequate supply of potable water and the lack of electricity in some communities are major concerns.

South Manchester is a rural constituency comprising of nearly 100 communities and two small towns: Newport and Porus. Agriculture is widely practised in the communities and educational facilities seem to be adequate but there is a major shortage of job opportunities and an unsatisfactory literacy level.

Barrington Stobbs, a Porus resident, believes that while there has been some improvement in his community, his expectations for the upgrading of roadways in several districts adjoining to the main town were not met. He also pointed out that there is a serious shortage of jobs in the area. Several years ago a bakery existed in Porus which provided employment for some persons; however, since it was closed, there has been not much job opportunities in the area, said Mr. Stobbs.

Police Inspector Nehemiah Channer shares a similar view. He said that he is disappointed with the fact that so many roads in the constituency are still in a stage of disrepair after so many years. Among them are the Berry Hill, Providence, Daley's Grove, Red Berry, Hampton and Meadsfield and Berry Dale roads.

Member of Parliament for South Manchester Michael Peart admitted that several roads in his constituency have been in a deplorable condition for many years. However, he boasted that he has managed to accomplish two important goals during his second term as Member of Parliament. "Regardless of the challenges, I have been able to assist with the physical upgrading of all the schools in the constituency as well as the provision of a reliable transportation system for students," he outlined.

The tall, seeming reserved yet subtle g entleman, who is also the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, said that he hopes to tackle the issue of road improvement during his next term in office as Member of Parliament. The People's National Party (PNP) candidate said he is confident of victory in the next general election. He will be up against the JLP's Noel Simpson.

The April/May flood rains have left very obvious signs of destruction in several communities, including Porus and Harmons. Several communities were virtually cut off for days and many roadways were impassable. Along the Trinity main road, water rose from underground for several weeks as a result of an increase in the underground water level. This caused the surface of the main thoroughfare to collapse and severely hampered traffic through the busy town. These roadways are yet to be repaired and according to Mr. Peart this is simply due to a lack of funds.

The constituency boasts three secondary institutions and several primary and junior high schools. Nicole Daley, a student, is proud of this achievement; however, she is concerned about the lack of adequate recreational facilities and the high levels of unemployment, which increases each year with the graduation of hundreds of students.

Caroline Pitter, a resident, also believes that more emphasis must be placed on providing recreational facilities for constituents. She said that although there was not a problem with crime in the constituency, she believes that more recreational facilities could help in fostering better relationships among residents, at the same time providing an avenue for the development of their sporting skills.

Numerous farmers in the southern-most communities of Rose Hill, Farm, Plowden and Resource suffer the daily inconvenience of inadequate water supply, which continues to threaten the survival of their only source of livelihood. The Rapid Response Unit trucks water to many of the communities but this is hardly enough for domestic purposes or irrigation.

There are numerous challenges in South Manchester for the next Member of Parliament.