THE bold declaration in 2002 by then Transport and Works Minister Robert Pickersgill that Jamaica would be “pot-hole free by 2003” triggered a range of reactions, from laughter to cynicism.

The comment, we must admit, had a nice rhyme to it. But everyone familiar with the workings of politics in this country knew that Mr Pickersgill’s promise — undoubtedly made with the best of intentions — would fall flat, even as he told the country that the Government was committed to achieving that goal and had allocated approximately $750 million to patch roads that year.

We recall that Mr Pickersgill had made the declaration at the signing of a $197-million road-patching contract for St James, Hanover, Trelawny, and Westmoreland under which 254 kilometres of roads were to be rehabilitated.

Now, here we are, 22 years later, and the current Government is embarking on a massive road and water infrastructure upgrading programme that it has given the convoluted name, Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network. The acronym, SPARK, makes it easier, but the programme is really a reflection of the inability of successive administrations to effectively deal with the problem of poorly constructed roads.

We don’t believe we’re exaggerating to say that hundreds of billions of dollars have been spent on road repairs in the country over the past 30 years — at least. In many instances, projects have overshot their budgets and the quality of the work was so poor that the surfaces either collapsed or disintegrated on first exposure to heavy rain.

Those problems have their foundation in the use of insufficient material, lack of road construction expertise in some instances, poor maintenance, neglect, and blatant corruption involving kickbacks, as State contracts and road works rank among the best providers of political pork.

Some years ago we pointed out in this space the difference in the quality and durability of the roads built here by French construction and engineering company Bouygues Travaux Publics compared to those done by local contractors.

Our comments and recommendations for expertise sharing were not taken kindly by some local engineers. However, we maintain that until we can get to the point of achieving international road construction standards, and closing the avenues to graft, the country will continue spending hundreds of billions of dollars on road rehabilitation in futility.

The fact is that roads that are properly built and maintained will cost the country much less; ease the cost of motor vehicle repairs; enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians; provide improved access to emergency and security services; have positive impact on the cost of transporting goods and services; contribute to the efficient movement of people for work, education and recreation; and help protect the environment during episodes of extreme weather.

The prime minister has told us that the SPARK programme is not just about upgrading roads; it’s about transforming people’s lives as it includes the installation of fibre optic ducts to support future broadband connectivity, thus improving the delivery of shared services.

We hope the programme has all the elements of proper construction and maintenance and doesn’t fall victim to politics, given the approaching general election.

The cycle needs to end.