By MOLLY DRYMAN

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – A blocked culvert behind John L. Ory Magnet School could be potentially hazardous to students playing outside and to area residents whose backyards run along the culvert.

LaPlace resident Septime Cambre is one of the many whose backyards run along the culvert.

“I’m tired of looking at the ditch that is full of water,” said Cambre.

“The kids come out and play and their ball falls into the water and they go in and grab it up with that water all over them.”

Cambre said the water is stagnant and will eventually be infested by mosquitos.

“The culvert is closed by wood and trash,” said Cambre. “The water can no longer flow through and it keeps filling up. Something should be done with it.”

Cambre said her neighbors have complained as well, but after years and years cannot seem to get anything done about it by the school board or the Parish.

“I just want the ditch cleaned up,” said Cambre. “The water should be able to flow through it. Then, it will no longer be a hazard to the children out playing at the school.”