Norwich Heights residents celebrate long-awaited road repairs
Published:Monday | March 24, 2025 | 12:05 AMGareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer
EAST PORTLAND:
Cheers of joy echoed through Norwich Heights Housing Scheme in East Portland last week, as residents celebrated the long-awaited commencement of road repairs in their community.
For decades, more than 412 homeowners have endured severe road deterioration, worsened by widespread flooding during heavy rainfall. However, their frustration is finally turning to relief as work begins on Phase One of a major road construction project valued at approximately $80 million.
Last Wednesday, residents gathered with their Member of Parliament (MP) Ann-Marie Vaz, along with a technical team from the National Works Agency (NWA) and two road contractors, to discuss the project’s scope.
Parish manager of the NWA, Richard Lulan, outlined the planned improvements, which include asphalt paving, drainage solutions, and culvert installations along the main thoroughfare leading into the subdivision.
“So, we will be constructing curbs and channels, as well as V-drains and U-drains for proper water management,” Lulan explained. “Our technical services department is also working on a drainage solution for the scheme, addressing the heavy water flow concerns raised by residents.”
Norwich Heights Housing Scheme was developed under the People’s National Party’s Operation PRIDE initiative in the early 2000s. However, the project was plagued by shortcomings, as the developer failed to provide essential infrastructure, including piped water and proper roads.
Residents such as Janet Henry, Marlene Henry, Paula Jones, and Theresa McKnight shared their struggles, noting that taxi operators have long refused to service the area because of the road’s deplorable condition.
LONG OVERDUE
“Like everyone else, I am so happy that we are finally getting a new road at Norwich Heights,” said Janet Henry. “This is long overdue. We have been patient for too many years, and this construction will bring much-needed relief.”
MP Annmarie Vaz expressed her satisfaction that residents would finally receive the infrastructure they deserve, acknowledging the years of frustration and hardship.
“I understand the difficulties you’ve faced for decades, but today marks the beginning of a new chapter,” she stated.
Vaz also used the occasion to advocate for centralised road management across Jamaica, arguing that current bureaucratic divisions slow down necessary repairs.
“The people of this country don’t care whether their roads fall under RADA, the parish council, or the National Works Agency. They just want their roads fixed,” she asserted. “There’s too much red tape, and I hope we can consolidate these responsibilities under one agency, soon.”
The contract for the Norwich Heights roadworks has been awarded to Millers Electric and High Roller Construction. Phase One is expected to be completed within three months, with the full project estimated to cost $280 million.
Residents are hopeful that this long-overdue development will significantly improve their quality of life and restore accessibility to their community.