RESIDENTS of the St Andrew communities of Orange Grove and Bridgemount have welcomed recent roadworks done by the National Works Agency (NWA) under the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to Our Road Network (SPARK) programme.

For years road conditions in sections of the two communities have been deteriorating, with nearly 40 per cent of the roads in a state of disrepair.

According to Rae Gascoigne, president of the Orange Grove-Bridgemount Citizens Association, the repairs were needed.

“Many of our roads were in terrible condition, making it difficult for residents to get around. Some roads, like Summit Drive, were almost impassable, forcing residents to find alternative routes. Thanks to the NWA, we finally have safer, smoother roads, and that has made a real difference,” Gascoigne said.

He pointed out that the road rehabilitation efforts of the Orange Grove main road, which stretches more than 500 metres, has already made a difference although not completed.

“The NWA has been making steady progress, and we appreciate its effort in addressing these issues. That’s the first road they have started out with on the SPARK programme,” Gascoigne added.

Gascoigne said several residents have praised the NWA’s execution of the project.

“Over a year and a half now we have had ongoing discussions with the NWA about when and how the repairs would be done, and now they have delivered,” he said.

Assessing the quality of the work, Gascoigne referenced past roadwork projects in the area and expressed confidence in the durability of the new road surfaces.

“The last major rehabilitation was done on Orange Crescent in 2019, and the road is still holding up well. Based on that track record we expect these new repairs to be just as durable,” he said.

While the community welcomes the improvements, additional road infrastructure concerns remain, but despite those concerns, the community remains optimistic about the NWA’s commitment to infrastructural development.

“I feel it. I feel the commitment. The work that has begun is encouraging, and I hope eventually the entire area that needs to be resurfaced will be done. The NWA gave me its word and I have taken it at its word, and so far it has delivered. I have no reason to doubt it will be done,” declared Gascoigne.

He said residents have also acknowledged their own role in maintaining the integrity of the roads.

“While the NWA is doing its part, residents must also play their role. Disappointingly, we have residents who have been directing wastewater onto the roads, which an engineer who evaluated the roads pointed out damages the surface over time. We need to work together to keep our roads in good condition,” Gascoigne cautioned.

In expressing appreciation to the NWA, Gascoigne highlighted the strong working relationship between the community and key stakeholders, including the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), Member of Parliament Karl Samuda, and Councillor Susan Senior.

“We have maintained good communication with the NWA, KSAMC, and our MP, and that has been key in getting things done. We look forward to continued collaboration to further improve our community,” he said.