KINGSTON, Jamaica — Member of Parliament (MP) for St Catherine South Western, Everald Warmington, wants the Government to take responsibility for all housing scheme roads, in particular those in developments that were built 40 to 50 years ago and where the roads are in a deplorable state.

On Tuesday, Warmington moved a motion to this effect in the House of Representatives which, if debated and approved, would become Government policy.

In moving the motion, the Government MP argued that some of these roads have long been in a state of disrepair. He noted that these roads are not currently maintained by the Government and that successive administrations at both the central and local government levels, have refused to assume full responsibility for these roads.

Continuing, Warmington said, “And whereas such action by Government results in severe difficulties and suffering for Jamaicans living in these housing schemes.”

“And whereas the residents are taxpayers, most of whom are poor, less fortunate Jamaicans.

“Be it resolved that Parliament calls on the Government to immediately assume full responsibility for all road infrastructure in housing schemes throughout Jamaica and commence with the repair and rehabilitation needed to bring all these roads to proper and usable condition.

“And be it further resolved that in all future developments, a condition of the development approval is that at the time of issuance of the first title to a homeowner, all road infrastructure and common areas be transferred to the local government, Kingston and St Andrew (Municipal) Corporation, or any other local authority, including but not limited to the National Works Agency, in order that such entity can exercise the right of ownership, inclusive of maintenance”.

— Lynford Simpson