Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
Port Antonio, Portland:
The development of the infrastructure is seen as one of the most critical areas which need to be addressed immediately in an effort to encourage economic growth in Portland, according to Member of Parlia-ment for Eastern Portland Dr. Donald Rhodd.
With various sectors, including tourism, agriculture and business, now in a fragile state, Dr. Rhodd has conceded that the deplorable state of the roadway is a contributing factor to the demise and stagnation of the parish economy.
"The roads, particularly those in the Rio Grande Valley, along with the ones in and around Port Antonio, have severely hampered the prospect of growth," he said. "Portland is poised for major development but, for this to be a reality, access by road must be guaranteed to this neck of the woods, so that we will be able to attract more investors, developers and other business interests."
The roads in Portland have fallen into a state of disrepair due to persistent rainfall, compounded by hurricanes Dennis and Emily last year, which caused several land slippages. The land slippages resulted in several roads being cut off and access to some communities being denied.
Bad Roads
The deplorable state of the roads also brought about a premature end to the livelihoods of some coffee and banana farmers, who have been unable to transport their produce to market as the roads are inaccessible. And without any access road, farm produce is being spoiled, creating undue hardships for farmers.
Dr. Rhodd noted that Port Antonio, as a cradle of tourism, and a capital town, should have far better roads as the resort town has the potential to attract visitors, locally and overseas, and generate more employment. He said Portland has the highest amount of rainfall islandwide and that a proper road maintenance programme will have to be put in place to preserve the roads.
