Azan calls on government to account for road spending as conditions worsen
/ Our Today
administrator
Opposition Spokesperson on Roads and Works, Richard Azan, is calling on the Government to account for billions of dollars spent on road rehabilitation programmes, as road conditions across the island continue to deteriorate. This call comes amid growing public concern over the widening gap between Government announcements and the reality being experienced by road users nationwide.
He 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 SPARK, REACH and GO.
“Jamaicans were promised improved road conditions. Instead, what we are seeing across the country is continued deterioration, vehicle damage, rising transport costs and growing public frustration,” Azan said. “That frustration is now spilling over into protest, with reports of taxi operators demonstrating in Bath, St Thomas, over the poor state of the roads. Similar concerns continue to be raised by residents in St Mary and East Portland, where road conditions have worsened significantly despite repeated statements that rehabilitation works were being carried out.”
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. While these claims require verification, he said they underscore the urgent need for transparency and full disclosure in how road rehabilitation funds are allocated and spent. “The Government owes the country a clear and detailed accounting of how much has been spent under these programmes, where the works were carried out, and why so many roads remain in unacceptable condition,” the Spokesperson said.
He added that responsibility for the current state of the road network lies squarely with the Government, which must move beyond announcements and ensure that road works are properly planned, executed and maintained.
“Jamaicans deserve roads that work, not slogans or press releases, but durable infrastructure that improves daily life and supports economic activity,” Azan said.
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