Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

VAZ

Portland:

Jamaica Labour Party candidate for western Portland, Daryl Vaz, has blasted the Government for what he believes is the continuous practice of sub-standard work, which is being effected to road- ways in the eastern end of the parish.

The caretaker-candidate argued that the resurfacing work, which is being carried out on various roads, should not be done at this time as it is now the rainy season. He said that within a matter of weeks the roads would return to their previous deplorable state.

"This is total madness and a waste of taxpayers' money," said Mr. Vaz. "And to make matters worse, the layer of asphalt (barbergreen) which is being applied to the road surface, is far too thin. Clearly these contractors don't have the interest of the people or the community at heart."

So far $33 million have been spent on the roadway from Breastworks to Fellowship, and additional $30.7 million is to be spent in phase two. $8 million and $3.4 million are being spent to resurface the Boundbrook and East Baptist roads respectively.

Long overdue

But while the road repairs are a welcome sight to residence, who describe it as being long overdue, the inclement weather - compounded by leaky pipe lines has damaged most of the resurfacing work. Sections of Breastworks leading to Fellowship have stared to fall into a state of disrepair.

"It is rather unfair and unwise for Government to be repeatedly spending money to repair roads in those communities while other areas, which were damaged by flood rains in November, have not received any assistance" Mr. Vaz further added.

Several roadways in various communities including Bellevue, Milbank, Moore Town, and Cornwall Barracks are now in a state of disrepair due to flooding and land slippage. Some taxi and minibus operators have also withdrawn their services to some of the affected areas.