KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister with responsibility for Works, Robert Nesta Morgan, has hit back at comments made by Opposition Spokesman Richard Azan, calling for the Government to account for billions spent on road rehabilitation, as road conditions across the island continue to deteriorate.

Azan, in a statement last Friday, pointed out that communities across the island remain burdened by broken, unsafe and poorly maintained roads, raising serious questions about the impact and effectiveness of repeated government announcements under programmes such as the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) programme, Relief, Emergency Assistance and Community Help (REACH) programme and GO road rehabilitation programme.

Azan further pointed to allegations circulating in the public domain regarding the use of substantial sums of public funds on specific road projects in St Thomas that appear to benefit private interests. He said while these claims require verification, they underscore the urgent need for transparency and full disclosure in how road rehabilitation funds are allocated and spent.

However, Morgan, in a media release on Tuesday, said Azan’s recent statement relies on an old political formula of broad claims, inflammatory language and selective accusations presented as proof, while failing to provide the specifics Jamaicans deserve.

“If Mr Azan has evidence, names, contracts, payments, conflicts his duty is to submit it to the relevant authorities; if he does not, then insinuation is irresponsible. Public confidence in infrastructure programmes should not be undermined by vague claims made for political effect,” Morgan stated.

Morgan said Jamaicans should be clear about what is being delivered under the Government’s leadership.

He pointed to the SPARK programme’s focus on upgrading roads with improved drainage, stronger surfaces and more resilient construction, as well as the GO Road Rehabilitation Programme, which is delivering targeted emergency interventions to address potholes, edge breaks and scoured sections on critical corridors, improving safety, reducing vehicle damage and easing transport costs after Hurricane Mellisa. He further noted that the REACH Programme was a response to Hurricane Beryl.

“These are not slogans; they are practical interventions, implemented with agencies and contractors on the ground, and focused on results communities can see and use,” he added.

The minister added that the Government is advancing reforms such as the One Road Authority to improve delivery and accountability in the road sector by strengthening systems, sharpening oversight and modernising how Jamaica plans, executes and maintains road infrastructure.

Morgan reaffirmed that the Government welcomes scrutiny but will continue to reject criticism without particulars and insinuation without proof.

“Simply because Mr Azan is forced to say something doesn’t mean he is forced to say just about anything for a sound bite. He should begin to read and understand government policy and actions rather than this lazy sort of commentary that helps no one,” Morgan said.