The Editor, Sir:

This is probably an exercise in futility, but I will grab any opportunity to voice my frustration with the roads in general, which I have wanted to do for a long time but did not know to whom.

To your question, yes and no. No, because contractors are using the methods and materials accepted by the 'authorities', and no, because they are allowed to get away with shoddy work. Yes, because some do unacceptable work either because they are not held accountable or they are doing work that they are not prepared for.

I have observed in the Corporate Area two groups do road work, one does an excellent job which endures the torrential rain and the other washes away with the first downpour.

It is obvious that an enormous amount of money is spent on road repairs, but this for the most part is a waste. Using marl on roads is mind-boggling, any moron can see it does not last. Patching as extensively and as often as is done is a another money waster.

Any layperson can tell the engineers that the roads will always be pothole-ridden until there are proper drains and culverts to take the water off the road when it rains.

The people of Jamaica must be asked to foot the bill for roadwork, but this must be done in a well-thought-out plan that is free of corruption and used only for the purpose intended.

I am, etc.,

CORDELLA CAUTHERI

Cherry Garden,

Kingston 8