RESIDENTS of Paradise Street in Breadnut Hill, Ocho Rios, are breathing a sigh of relief as they move a step closer towards having a smooth, crisp road their community.

Though not completed, efforts being made by Member of Parliament for St Ann North Eastern Matthew Samuda to rehabilitate the road are being described as “a good look” by several residents who spoke with the Jamaica Observer on Thursday during a tour of the area.

“It is a very good look, we needed the road long time. Right now the road not even fully fixed and it sweet. The driver them, because they’re not damaging their car, them just a drive pass and a smile,” said Latoya Ferguson who operates a shop on Paradise Street.

“It is a good look for us because the road never look good at all before now. No vehicle couldn’t come up the hill when rain fall and there was potholes and breakaways,” added fellow resident Greg Williams.

Paradise Street is among 100 roads across the island being fixed under the Government’s Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement (SPARK) road rehabilitation programme, with an overall budget of $45 billion.

Roads under the SPARK programme are being upgraded with features such as modern drainage systems, sidewalks, consistent road markings and signage to guide and inform road users how to navigate spaces cautiously.

Conroy, who has been living on Paradise Street for more than 40 years, told the Observer that the improvement in the area is well needed and he is excited to see the end results.

“This is a good improvement and we are grateful for where it reach, but the greatest thing is to see the finish, because the road really wanted to be worked on, but so far we love the movement,” said Conroy.

In the meantime, Andrea, who has also lived on the road for several years, said she is hoping the work will be completed for the Christmas holidays.

“This is my block, me born and grow here, so me feel good how we a get new road, because there were so much potholes and all kind of these things before them start work on it,” said Andrea.

“I just want it done before Christmas because a lot of foreigners coming down and we want them to have nice road to drive on,” added Andrea.

Samuda led a tour of the road on Wednesday where heavy equipment was seen operating at various sections

Member of Parliament for St Ann North Eastern Matthew Samuda (right), and councillor of the Exchange Division Ian Isaacs examine the work being done on Paradise Street on Wednesday afternoon.

Latoya Ferguson points to the work being done on Paradise Street which she said is a good look for the community as residents were suffering due to the bad conditions.