Craters in Spanish Town roads

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing to bring attention to the debilitating condition of the roads in Spanish Town. Numerous potholes, or should I say craters, are on the roads, creating hazardous driving conditions. Not to mention the open drains with raw sewage flowing freely in some areas – the sidewalks cracked and crumbling, littered with debris and pooling with murky water after every rainfall, a daily obstacle course for pedestrians.

People have experienced vehicle damage, from flat tyres and wheel misalignment to more serious front-end issues. This leads to some extremely expensive repair bills and the increased likelihood of accidents.

As the surrounding communities expand, maintaining safety and functional roads should be paramount for the Spanish Town municipality. Drivers swerve to avoid these potholes, often putting themselves and others at risk and causing massive traffic jams throughout the day. A few weeks ago, a water main burst because of the deterioration of the road surface. There was a fountain of water spraying on cars, the street turned into rivers, flooding sidewalks, eroding pavement and leaving behind gaping holes. It was hours later, and gallons of water wasted, before this was fixed.

Despite repeated complaints, the issue remains largely ignored. We understand that road repair takes time and money, but routine maintenance and repairs can save lives. It is frustrating to see road maintenance neglected, especially when taxpayers contribute millions of dollars each year to infrastructure projects and road networks. Where are the taxpayers’ dollars each year to deal with these issues? Are they not enough, or they are spent elsewhere?

At this point, people will have to think of a quick fix to get rid of this problem. If those in charge won’t act, perhaps it’s time for the communities to come together and demand accountability. We don’t deserve roads that look and feel like a disaster zone.

The local government should take immediate action by allocating resources to repair these roads before more accidents, injuries, and costly damages happen. Residents should voice their concerns and demand action. It is time for our leaders to step up and show us where our hard-earned money is going. If infrastructure isn’t a priority, then what is?

CONCERNED CITIZEN