Dear Editor,

The late Wilmot “Motty” Perkins occasionally on his radio programme reminded the listeners of a statement made by former Mayor of Atlanta Andrew Young: “We should applaud achievements not announcements.”

In Jamaica there is an inordinate amount of time between announcement of projects by Government and their actual implementation. Consequently, prospective beneficiaries raise concerns about the seriousness or capability of elected officials to do things for them. Inevitably, it leads to frustration, demonstration, and even character assassination.

During the budget presentation of 2023, both Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke announced a $40-billion road rehabilitation programme to commence in June 2023. More than six months have now elapsed since their declaration — but the roads seemed to have deteriorated, not improved.

There is evidence of road patching, but I don’t consider such intervention to be sufficient. Furthermore, it is inconceivable that such magnitude of money could be for mere filling of potholes. The undulating bumpy roads interspersed with numerous cavities need to be scarified and rebuilt to sustainable standards.

The protracted waiting period for the start of meaningful road repairs is undesirable. I, therefore, urge the Government to accelerate the process so execution can begin post-haste.

Motor vehicles are being battered while owners struggle to fix and maintain them. And so it’s a genuine and urgent plea for relief from the quagmire of dilapidated roads.

Peter A P Gordon

Mandeville, Jamaica

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