MANDEVILLE, Manchester — A recurring cluster of potholes on Ward Avenue, close to the centre of this south central town, is causing a serious traffic hazard and an embarrassing eyesore.

Worse, it’s not clear how or when the problem will be corrected.

The National Works Agency (NWA), which has overall responsibility for public infrastructure including roads, bridges and drains, says repair work on Ward Avenue is the responsibility of the Manchester Parish Council.

Jones Oliphant who is the parish councillor for the Mandeville Division (PNP) told the Jamaica Observer Central that the local authorities were awaiting the National Water Commission’s (NWC) repair of leaking pipes before resurfacing the road.

However, the NWC says the leaks were “fixed” from December.

Annoyed locals say the pothole cluster has been like a “recurring decimal” for several years with the latest episode “opening up” mid-2013. It forces motorists, especially the unsuspecting, to brake and swerve suddenly in a bid to avoid damage to their vehicles, heightening the risk of accidents.

Explaining the long delay in roadwork for what is the leading town in south central Jamaica and one which enjoys a reputation as being among

the nation’s most orderly, Oliphant first told Observer Central that the council was awaiting repairs to leaking pipes.

“It doesn’t make sense we go and fix it and then the NWC comes and dig up the road, so we are waiting on them to do their work. After that, the entire area will be resurfaced,” said Oliphant.

But Julia Gordon, the NWC’s regional communications manager, said that while “there were a few leaks” last year, these were “fixed from December” by the NWC and the parish council was so informed.

“We are not aware of any leaking pipes there now, unless these are leaks that developed yesterday or today,” Gordon told Observer Central on Friday.

When the newspaper checked back with Oliphant late Friday afternoon, the NWC’s response apparently came as a complete surprise to him. He said he was unaware of any “signing off” on the repair project by the NWC.

The Observer Central double-checked with Oliphant Saturday, as to whether he had been able to clear up the apparent confusion. The councillor explained that he remained uncertain regarding the situation since “puddles of water” were evident in the potholed area. He said he expected to “clear up” the matter with the NWC early Monday.

“After we spoke (Friday afternoon) I walked the area and saw some puddles of water which I will discuss with the NWC,” said Oliphant.