Richard Azan | Infrastructure crisis – call of accountability and action

Jamaica’s road network is crumbling before our eyes. Potholes litter our streets, inadequate drainage systems lead to constant flooding, and the overall quality of infrastructure continues to decline. This isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s a threat to public safety, a drain on economic productivity, and a clear indicator of mismanagement at the highest levels.

COSTLY MISTAKE

One of the major turning points in this crisis was the repeal of the Road Maintenance Fund Act on December 8, 2017. This legislation had provided a dedicated stream of funding for road repairs and maintenance, ensuring that critical projects could be carried out consistently.

With its repeal, the Government dismantled a key financial mechanism, leaving road maintenance at the mercy of shifting budget priorities. The result? A steady decline in upkeep, leading to the deteriorating conditions we see today. Without a dedicated fund, infrastructure maintenance has become an afterthought — addressed only when issues become too severe to ignore. Roads are left to deteriorate until they become impassable, costing taxpayers far more in emergency repairs than it would have with consistent maintenance.

Since the repeal, accountability has been sorely lacking. Instead of taking responsibility, the current administration has consistently pointed fingers — at past governments, at climate change, and at external factors beyond their control.

While climate change undeniably presents challenges, it cannot be used as a convenient scapegoat for years of mismanagement. Other nations with similar climate vulnerabilities have invested in resilient infrastructure, ensuring that their roads withstand extreme weather. Why hasn’t Jamaica done the same? Blaming previous governments does nothing to fix our current problems. The true test of leadership is the ability to take ownership, devise solutions, and act decisively — not to deflect responsibility.

REAL CONSEQUENCES

The effects of poor road maintenance are felt daily by ordinary Jamaicans. Roads riddled with potholes damage vehicles, forcing drivers to spend thousands on repairs that could have been avoided with proper infrastructure upkeep. Poorly constructed roads with inadequate drainage systems means that after heavy rainfall, entire communities become isolated, businesses suffer, and emergency services struggle to reach those in need.

The recent tropical storms have laid bare the vulnerabilities of our infrastructure. Roads have become impassable, small businesses have faced disruptions due to flooding, and residents in flood-prone areas have been left stranded. It is unacceptable that in 2025, our country remains ill-prepared for predictable weather events simply because successive administrations have failed to prioritise infrastructure resilience.

Even when repairs are carried out, they are often temporary, with patched-up roads breaking down in a matter of months. Why? Because the quality of materials used and the standards applied in road construction are simply not up to par.

For example, industry standards dictate that asphalt thickness should range from 2 to 4 inches, depending on traffic volume. However, in many cases, these requirements are ignored, resulting in roads that erode rapidly. Additionally, the reliance on light walk-behind compactors rather than proper heavy-duty equipment further reduces the lifespan of repairs.

Where is the oversight? Where is the accountability for shoddy work that ultimately wastes taxpayers’ money? Road contracts must come with strict quality control measures, and contractors must be held accountable for delivering substandard work. Otherwise, we will continue to see our hard-earned tax dollars funnelled into projects that provide little long-term benefit.

LATE START AND MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

The Government’s recent rollout of the REACH and SPARK programmes is, in theory, a step in the right direction. However, these initiatives come years too late, only scratching the surface of the deeply entrenched issues plaguing our road network. Furthermore, there are concerns about the execution of these programmes, particularly regarding the exclusion of qualified local contractors.

Many local contractors who have the expertise and capability to deliver quality work are either sidelined or relegated to subcontractor roles, while larger firms monopolise these projects. This approach not only limits economic opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses but also stifles competition, which could otherwise drive better-quality outcomes. If we are serious about revitalising our infrastructure, we must ensure that these programmes are inclusive, transparent, and designed to yield tangible results.

ROAD MAP TO SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

Jamaica does not have to remain trapped in this cycle of neglect and reactive fixes. A structured, long-term approach to infrastructure management is the only way forward. Here is how we can achieve this:

1. Re-establish a dedicated road-maintenance fund: The Government must reinstate a fund specifically earmarked for road maintenance, ensuring a steady and reliable source of financing.

2. Implement regular maintenance schedules: Road maintenance should not be an afterthought. Scheduled inspections, timely pothole repairs, and resurfacing should be mandatory.

3. Invest in effective drainage systems: Roads should be designed with proper drainage to prevent water accumulation and erosion, ensuring that hey last longer and remain safe in adverse weather conditions.

4. Enforce climate-resilient infrastructure practices: The materials and engineering techniques used must be suited for Jamaica’s unique environmental conditions. This means durable construction materials, proper reinforcement, and resilient design.

5. Strengthen oversight and quality control: Every road project must meet established standards. Independent audits and strict penalties for subpar work must become the norm.

6. Expand participation in government programmes: Local contractors should be given a fair shot at participating in national road projects. This not only benefits the economy but also encourages competition and accountability in the industry.

The state of Jamaica’s roads is more than just an infrastructure problem. It is a governance issue, a financial issue, and, ultimately, a leadership issue. The current approach of piecemeal solutions, deflection of responsibility, and subpar project execution is unsustainable. We need a long-term, structured plan backed by political will and a commitment to accountability.

If we care about the future of this country, we must prioritise infrastructure, not just in words but in actions that make a tangible difference.

Richard Azan is the opposition spokesperson on road and works. Send feedback to azanrichard@yahoo.com and pnppresssecretariat@gmail.com.