MoBay mayor wants BSJ to research road deterioration
Published:Friday | October 11, 2024 | 12:09 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon is calling for the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) to carry out research on why Jamaica’s roads are deteriorating at such a rapid pace and whether utilising alternative construction methods would not be better.
Vernon made the call during yesterday’s monthly meeting of the St James Municipal Corporation, where he unveiled plans for major road-rehabilitation projects between now and December.
“While we look at the roads, we are deeply concerned about the rapid deterioration of some of the roadways in some areas, and despite the heavy investment in these roadways, there are concerns pertaining to the lifespan of the roadways,” said Vernon. “We are particularly concerned because when we invest in these roads and they deteriorate quickly, it compromises road safety, it increases maintenance costs, it reduces the body of public investment, and there are other negative impacts on economic development and tourism here in Montego Bay.
“In light of these concerns, we urgently request that the BSJ conduct research to determine the underlying causes of this premature deterioration in our roadways. Specifically, we recommend that they investigate the impact of climate change on the longevity of materials currently used in the road construction and the suitability of alternative materials that may better withstand Jamaica’s economic conditions. We believe that the BSJ’s expertise in standards development and quality control is crucial to addressing this issue.”
The issue of road repair and deterioration is a perpetual concern across Jamaica, with residents from different communities frequently staging demonstrations over poor road conditions in their districts.
Specific to St James, in recent times, residents have mounted roadblocks in communities such as Johns Hall, Black Shop, St John’s, Dam Road, Hurlock, Spring Mount, and Friendship.
In August this year, Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the launch of the Government’s REACH Road Rehab Programme, a comprehensive national road- rehabilitation initiative valued at $3 billion, which he said was designed to address critical road infrastructure needs across Jamaica, specifically focusing on damage caused by Hurricane Beryl.
Vernon said the planned road-rehabilitation project for St James will be done along with the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF).
“I have a list of roadways that we will complete between now and December. They value over $150 million. In other words, the StJMC, in partnership with the TEF and TPDCo, will spend over $150 million to improve the roadways across the parish,” said Vernon.
“These will include Providence Heights, Palm Tree Drive, Bogue Hill Road, Mt Zion Road, Cornwall Gardens, Catherine Mount Charles Drive, Jungle Road, Bottom Cambridge Road, Salters Hill Road, Paisley Road, Richmond Hill, Copperwood, Lightbody Avenue, Love Lane to include the drainage, and several roads across the downtown area [in Montego Bay].”