Jamaican roads have earned a reputation for testing drivers’ patience and skill, but the state of the nation’s pothole-ridden streets is no laughing matter for those who bear the brunt of the damage.

From gaping craters to unexpected ‘mini-rivers’, navigating the island’s roads has become a challenge that some describe as ‘survival of the fittest’ — or rather, the most road-fit.

The Cost of Dodging Craters

Drivers island-wide have taken to comparing their daily commutes to an obstacle course.

“It’s mi a drive and a play hide and seek wid di pothole dem,” joked one Kingston resident. But for others, the constant dodging of potholes comes at a literal cost. “I yearly have to pay for road fitness, but the fitness of the road costs me thousands in car parts,” said Nevers, the owner of a Honda Fit, as he lamented the frequent repairs needed to keep his car running smoothly.

Social media is buzzing with memes and commentary, with one viral post claiming that Jamaican potholes could qualify as “heritage sites” due to their endurance over time. However, the humour belies genuine frustration from residents who feel their concerns about road maintenance are going unheard.

Another viral X post came from a local on Sunday, November 17, where he described an incident that took place in Portmore.

“Hit a pothole in Portmore (I-95) at 30 mph and destroyed both front struts, chopped my Tyre and broke my rim. Total cost of repairs $40k What’s the name of the gov’t ministry I can email my receipts to claim again? Asking as a tax-paying Jamaican citizen.”

The post has since been liked over three hundred times with folks in the comment section sharing their grim road mishaps and the subsequent costs of repairs.

Government Promises

In some communities, residents have resorted to patching potholes themselves, using gravel, cement, or even dirt to fill the gaps. While these efforts are commendable, they highlight the slow pace of government-led repairs.

“Mi sick and tired of it now,” said local taxi driver, Osbourne. “It makes driving a tedious activity, and it takes a toll on the vehicle, but I have to endure it to make a living. We have to do betta as a country. f the government can’t fix the small issues how mi fi trust dem wid the bigger ones?”

Prime Minister Holness announced in a statement to Parliament that the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) programme, which will commence on December 15, 2024, would bring positive change in our road infrastructure since Independence, but many argue that based on past attempt, the repairs are often temporary and fail to address the root issues.

I guess, we have to wait and see if the efforts by SPARK will yield more permanent results.

For now, dodging potholes is a skill every Jamaican must master, and tyre shops continue to thrive. Whether the roads will see lasting improvement remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Jamaican drivers are frustrated.