Dear Editor,

The deplorable state of our nation’s roadways, particularly in rural communities, continues to be a major cause of concern for citizens who rely on these roads for daily commuting, commerce, and emergency services.

The worsening condition of these roads has been further exasperated by the effects of climate change. With increasingly frequent and intense periods of rainfall, road surfaces are rapidly eroded due to inadequate construction and subpar maintenance.

A major contributor to this issue is the poor quality of previous roadwork. In many instances, potholes remain mere inches away from newly patched sections — if they are patched at all. Thin layers of asphalt are often used, which are unable to withstand sustained rainfall, leading to premature erosion and the swift return of potholes. Moreover, the lack of effective drainage systems means water continues to settle on road surfaces, further degrading them with each downpour.

The neglect of roadside maintenance only compounds the issue. Infrequent debushing of sidewalks and the failure to regularly trim overhanging trees contribute to the pooling of water on road surfaces, accelerating deterioration.

Recent developments support this growing frustration. As reported in The Gleaner article ‘SPARK lit for CHEC’ (December 6, 2024), the Government signed a $45-billion contract with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) under the SPARK Programme due to its proven engineering standards and ability to deliver results. This move, while welcomed by some, also, in my opinion, signals a lack of confidence in local contractors, many of whom have delivered substandard work that has cost taxpayers dearly. The article highlights that this shift comes amid widespread complaints about the quality of road repairs handled locally and the need for more effective oversight to ensure value for money.

We must also recognise that road repairs are expensive. However, in seeking to stretch limited funds over long stretches of road, we must not sacrifice quality for cost. The Government must ensure that the public receives value for every dollar spent, and this requires proper oversight. An independent agency or task force should be established to monitor and evaluate all road repair projects to guarantee adherence to standards and hold contractors accountable.

There are also innovative and cost-effective alternatives that should be explored. Other countries have successfully repurposed used tyres to create durable road surfacing materials. Additionally, concrete may prove to be a more suitable option for areas prone to water accumulation during the rainy season.

Ultimately, road repairs should not merely be about awarding contracts, they should be about delivering reliable infrastructure that serves the public good. Taxpayers deserve safe, durable roads and must not continue to pay the price for poor planning, lack of oversight, and questionable workmanship.

Camoya C

camoya2009@gmail.com