Despite welcoming the additional $2 billion recently allocated for the nation’s road repairs, the National Caucus of the People’s National Party (PNP) Councillors says the Government’s efforts continue to fall short in addressing the critical needs of community roads.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the extra allocation on Thursday.
It brings the total allocation under the Relief Emergency Assistance and Community Help (REACH) programme to $5 billion.
In a statement, the councillors lamented that the REACH programme appears to prioritize major thoroughfares, leaving community roads riddled with potholes.
They are urging the Government to develop a comprehensive and equitable plan to address the state of parochial roads, with a clear timeline for repairs and ongoing maintenance.
The Caucus of PNP Councillors also noted that the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) programme, which was promoted as a transformative solution to road infrastructure challenges, remains shrouded in uncertainty.
They say there has been no clear communication about which roads are earmarked for repairs, or when the project will commence.
They are calling on the Prime Minister to provide immediate clarity regarding the implementation of the SPARK programme, including a detailed timeline and a transparent repair plan.
On Thursday, the Government launched the https://sparkjamaica.gov.jm/ website, which should enable the public to track the progress of the programme.
Currently, 540 road entries have been uploaded but all entries are in the planning and consultation phase – a 15 per cent project progress, as indicated by the website.