Issue:The Christiana road - Roadwork justified

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I have no problem with those querying the $800-million price tag for the Christiana development road, but many of those people should visit the area, which has been neglected for decades.

I lived in Christiana for years, and I travel through the town from time to time. The work being done there is not "any ordinary road repairs" but is a special development that will also see the town itself further developed. A bypass for Christiana goes back more than 50 years, and this concentration, via the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP), may well be the last chance for Christiana to grow.

When the road from Williams-field was being rebuilt in the 1970s, the idea was to have a bypass around the town to take the improved road to Coleyville and beyond. It was said, then, that it was too expensive. Some years ago when Jamaica saw the need for a new building for Parliament, the same verdict was passed: too expensive, we cannot afford it.

Many persons who exercise their loudmouth franchise since this Government started JDIP project cause our infrastructure to be lagging behind. Among the counterclaims used are "only JLP roads were selected", "more Government members got approval" and "we want the contractor general to look into the matter".

While the contractor general carries out his investigations, the Government should not delay or scrap the upgrading or building of our roadways, bridges and culverts. A note of warning, however: While investigation is going on, I would hope the National Works Agency and other agencies will ensure that the contractors are made to exercise the highest form of professionalism and accountability for the money being spent.

I am, etc.,

DALBERT SMITH

dalbert.smith@yahoo.com