Dear Editor,

I really hope this Government has big plans to upgrade the nation’s roads in its third term.

There have been various announcements about upgrading of roads, but I am yet to see any real progress, but maybe the minister of works could tell the country if it is otherwise.

Major roads, parish council roads, and housing scheme roads are not ones to be proud of, but maybe the minister is happy with what obtains. Some of the roads are not even fit for donkey carts.

Others that some may want to classify as good are so bumpy that you have to wonder if the people in authority care. This would include parliamentarians who have a duty to make proper representation for their people, but apparently some do not know what the roads in their constituencies look like.

I do not want Nelson Mandela Highway to be held up as a good road as it is just a short stretch from Six Miles to the Caymanas intersection, where motorists have to endure another bumpy stretch into Spanish Town, on which they encounter more rocky rides to their destinations.

Spanish Town Road from Six Miles to Denham Town is a disgrace. In addition to the bumpy rides, the many potholes and lack of markings make it an obstacle course.

Why is the Palisadoes Road not a four-lane? When our officials travel overseas I am sure they admire the stretches of roads to their hotels. Even Harbour View to downtown Kingston needs improvement. Don’t tell me those who drive in luxury vehicles do not feel the bumps?

I could go on and on, but I do hope those in charge get the message. If it is a question of money, the country should be told how much is collected each year from the gas tax that was originally to go towards road repairs.

Also, since we want to make our roads safer, why not ensure all main roads are marked, signs erected, and proper lights installed.

Brunswick Avenue in Spanish Town is one example of a big, broad road begging for proper markings, and Monticelo and Avon Park, also in Spanish Town, have roads that are more like water courses.

Ministers, Members of Parliament, and councillors, are you happy with our roads? Be honest now! Let us not be contended with a ‘pop down’ culture in which we develop expertise in road patching instead of proper rehabilitation.

Peter Brown

Portmore, St Catherine