EDITORIAL: Maintenance of roads a priority

THE Ministry of Public Works and Transport must be commended for the project it is currently undertaking in Waterford Bottom, St. Michael, as for far too long motorists have felt almost as if they were on a roller coaster of sorts, as they navigated the stretch of road between the Waterford roundabout and the junction to take you across to Combermere School.

 

We remember well Member of Parliament for St. Thomas, Cynthia Forde, raising the issue of the road’s poor condition in the House of Assembly a few months back, and are pleased that steps are being taken to fix this major artery into the City. The thousands of motorists who travel that road on a daily basis will no doubt thank the Ministry for its efforts, as if it was allowed to stay in that state, it could very well have caused serious and significant damage to vehicles. Given that all the causes for the several dips along that road are unknown, it may serve the Ministry well to put a two-tonne weight restriction on that area going forward.  

 

On that note, it is hoped that the Ministry will also find a permanent solution for the road challenges at White Hill, St. Andrew, where the residents are now serviced by a temporary access following the collapse of the road last year. Such an undertaking will no doubt be even more challenging given that the area falls within the unstable Scotland District, but we understand and appreciate the concerns of the residents and urge the Ministry to find a more permanent solution, sooner rather than later.

 

We feel strongly that the upkeep of the highways and byways of this nation is something that must remain a top priority of Government. Indeed it is a major issue that successive governments have had to address, and while we acknowledge that the country is experiencing tough economic times that may make it an even more difficult job to manage now, there are other roads outside of the aforementioned that need to be repaired before they get worse. The stretch of highway from the junction of Hinds Hill, St. Michael to the roundabout at Warrens; Bibby’s Lane, St. Michael up to Applewhaites, St. Thomas; Market Hill, St. George to the junction by Hothersal Turning, St. Michael; and Todds, St. John to Ellerton, St. George, are but just a few that come to mind.

 

On many of these roads can be found small, moderate and large-sized potholes, and like Waterford Bottom there are dips and rough sections in the road which one could miss if one does not know the road well. On any given day motorists must try their best to avoid these dangers, or risk damaging their vehicles or tyres. Yes the Ministry has been trying their level best to patch many of these holes and level the rough areas as they appear, but with the rainy season now upon us, they may need to step up this action. The rain can dislodge the patches and the water may very well mask a hole, which could cause irreparable damage to a car.

 

Going forward the Ministry, if it has not already done so, should perhaps conduct a needs assessment of the road network to determine the requirements and resources available to properly maintain and build, as required, this island’s transportation infrastructure. And while it may show that the funding that is required may be lacking, it is all the more reason why it should be done, so that the requisite resources can be sourced.