Bad roads putting burden on motorists in Portmore

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing to express my deep frustration and concern regarding the deplorable state of the road network in and around Portmore. What was once promoted as a model urban centre has now become a daily obstacle course for motorists who must navigate deteriorated, unsafe, and poorly maintained roads.

There is a clear lack of routine maintenance, resulting in pothole-riddled roads. Second, lack of proper drainage is causing roads to weaken and collapse even after moderate rainfall. Repeated utility cuts and poorly restored road surfaces leave patches that quickly deteriorate, creating uneven and hazardous driving conditions.

Motorists are forced to incur excessive repair costs, particularly for tyres, suspension systems, and steering components. Additionally, the unsafe road environment significantly increases the risk of traffic accidents, vehicle damage, and personal injury.

These challenges are further compounded by inadequate streetlighting across several communities. Poorly lit roads, combined with potholes and uneven surfaces, create extremely unsafe conditions for motorists, especially at night and during periods of heavy rainfall. This not only heightens the risk of accidents but also exposes drivers to criminal activity.

While motorists are expected to strictly comply with the Road Traffic Act – ensuring that our vehicles are roadworthy, properly registered, insured, and that our driver’s licences are current – the government appears unable to meet its responsibility to provide and maintain safe driving infrastructure. We also bear the financial burden every time we refuel, paying special consumption tax (gas tax), and we are relentlessly pursued by the Public Safety Enforcement Branch for minor and cosmetic offences, often resulting in fines amounting to thousands of dollars.

The government should consider Portmore motorists be granted a reprieve in motor vehicle licensing fees. Additionally, one-off cash grant payment system to offset tyre replacements, providing no less than $50,000 per motorist residing in Portmore. These allocations could reasonably be sourced from a portion of the Parochial Revenue Fund to which motorists in Portmore already contribute annually through various taxes and fees.

At present, there is no sense of equal rights and justice between the government and the motorists who struggle daily to maintain their vehicles on severely neglected roads. Accountability must be shared. If citizens are required to uphold the law at all times, then the State must also uphold its duty to provide safe and functional public infrastructure.

KRISHO HOLMES