ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica – Frustrated taxi operators who operate on the Santa Cruz to Mountainside route in St Elizabeth on Monday morning downed trees to block the Lacovia main road in protest over deplorable road conditions.

Councillor for the Santa Cruz division, the Jamaica Labour Party’s Christopher Williams said the police swiftly cleared the roadblock and has been maintaining a presence in the area.

He said while he understands the challenge faced by motorists and commuters, plans are being advanced to facilitate road repairs through emergency procurement.

“They [taxi operators] are expressing their disgust at the bad state of the Lacovia to Burnt Savannah roadway and also the breakaway at the Lacovia police station and a breakaway in the community of Burnt Savannah. Those two breakaways everyday become more dangerous,” said Williams in reference to daily, heavy and persistent rains affecting the breakaways.

He said following a meeting with the minister responsible for works, Robert Morgan, on Sunday, he received a commitment that the deplorable state of the roadway will be addressed.

“I had a meeting with the minister… he basically informed me that the emergency procurement protocols will be activated, so as to facilitate some immediate work in the area. In short we should be expecting some work to be done,” said Williams.

“We are aware of the situation and [we] are going to be doing everything possible to address the situation as soon as possible,” added Williams.

– Kasey Williams