‘We can’t go on like this’
Taxi operators protest poor road conditions, overflowing sewage, in Kingston
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Taxi operators who serve the Spanish Town Road route withdrew their services on Tuesday morning in protest over the deplorable condition of the intersection at Spanish Town Road and Industrial Terrace in Kingston.
The frustrated operators staged their demonstration in front of the Denham Town Police Station, voicing their concerns and demanding immediate action from the relevant authorities.
One operator, speaking on behalf of the group, described the road conditions as “unbearable,” citing large potholes and uneven surfaces that have made the route hazardous for both drivers and passengers.
“We cannot continue to operate like this. Our vehicles are being damaged daily, and it’s unfair to us and the commuters we serve,” he said.
Another operator added “Just yesterday, police and examiners were out here taking off plates because they said [our] vehicle isn’t fit for the road. When [you] see the condition of the road, the road isn’t fit for your vehicle.”
Exacerbating the issue is back-flowing sewage settled in the massive potholes. Citing the numerous public institutions along the roadway including Tivoli High School, the police station, and other primary schools, the men said the issue was out of hand.
“Just recently, one of my friends got splashed with this very water, and it cost him over $70,000 because of the rashes on his skin,” an operator revealed.
Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Robert Morgan, who has responsibility for works, had admitted that work on Spanish Town Road is not a simple quick fix and involves more than just repairing the road surface.
READ: Spanish Town Rd no quick fix; proper repair will require US$60 million
The National Works Agency (NWA) also said it had started rehabilitative work on the roadway on Tuesday, January 7 under the Relief Emergency Assistance and Community Help (REACH) programme.
READ: Spanish Town Road, Mannings Hill Road among roadways being addressed under REACH programme
The protesters insisted that the deteriorating state of the intersection poses a significant safety risk and called on the government to address the issue urgently.
We can’t go on like this; so we decided to take a stand this morning. We need the authorities to come and address this problem. Now. Not tomorrow or next week. Now.”
