Garth Rattray

Reverend Al Miller delivered a vitriolic criticism and condemnation of the government regarding the Portmore toll road. He's reported as saying that Almighty God supports the cause. As a lowly mortal, I cannot speak on behalf of the Almighty but (since it's taken on a religious tone) I can report observing several 'sins' in this issue.

The first 'sin': Many years ago, when Greater Portmore was just being developed, even my untrained mind realised that the residents there would be crammed into the smallest space possible and that access to their community would become a serious problem. The roadways to and from the development should have been substantial and the causeway should have been at least two lanes in both directions.

The second 'sin': Successive administrations failed to improve on the roads leading to and from the municipality. They procrastinated until vehicles backed up for miles as the tortured residents of Portmore tried to make their way in and out of their community.

The third 'sin': The government should not have gone ahead with plans to construct a toll road in order to facilitate travel in and out of that municipality without consulting with the stakeholders (the citizens of Portmore). After all, something stinks about having to pay dearly to get in and out of your own community or else suffer the harassment and loss of time in travelling the lengthy, circuitous and sometimes hazardous alternate route.

The arguments

Argumentative salvos have been launched from both sides of the debate. Portmore residents (rightfully) assert that they purchased property with the expectation and understanding that easy access to their homes and businesses would be provided by their tax dollars. The government countered by asserting that access is provided by way of the Mandela Highway (which is technically correct but extremely unreasonable in practice).

The government maintains that the toll road is cost-effective and will pay dividends. Safer, faster and easier access to homes and businesses should reduce fuel consumption along with wear and tear on motor vehicles while enhancing property value.

But, rainwater accumulates at one end and there's no significant alteration to the feeder or run-off roads. So, although the toll road itself allows for fast travel, if fully utilised, bottlenecking is expected during peak hours and/or bad weather. Additionally, fuel currently costs about $60 per litre, which, interestingly enough, is the same as the fee in each direction for a regular motorcar using the toll. Commuters must decide if the time and distance saved by using the toll road (each way) is worth one litre of fuel (incidentally, both are U.S.-dollar linked and will rise concomitantly in the not too distant future).

When one takes everything into consideration, the government has 'sinned' against the people of Portmore by failing to plan ahead adequately to deal with the traffic expected from a housing and business development of that magnitude. They should have been democratic in their decision-making process and consulted the representatives of the residents before committing to such a massive and expensive venture which now must be paid for by taxpayers one way or the other.

For penance, the government should convince Trans Jamaica Highway to lower their rates instead of only offering concessionary rates to proven frequent toll users. After all, their Managing Director, Mr. Trevor Jackson, says that in spite of the (semi-successful) boycott, his company has been meeting its target. Lower rates will mean an increased volume which will therefore allow Trans Jamaica Highway to easily meet its expectations.

Dr Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice.