Jamaica’s Road Crisis: Golding vs Holness on Climate Impact. Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Andrew Holness, has singled out climate change as the prime reason for the deplorable condition of Jamaican roads.
But, opposition leader Mark Golding dismissed the prime minister’s claim. He stated that it is “nonsense” to blame climate change for Jamaica’s road crisis
“This idea that climate change is responsible for the poor roads in Jamaica is false. It has nothing to do with it. Jamaica has experienced heavy rains for many years. Climate change is a real issue we face. But, Golding stated that blaming Jamaica’s Road Crisis on Climate on climate change is absurd.”
The two leaders debated in Gordon House after Holness discussed the Government’s efforts to enhance the nation’s road infrastructure.
Holness highlighted the SPARK program the Government implemented to tackle Jamaica’s road crisis
The Prime Minister announced the Government’s $45-billion Shared Prosperity Through Accelerated Improvement to Our Road Network (SPARK) program, which began in December and aims to enhance between 600 and 660 roads nationwide.
He stated that the Government was not evading its responsibility to repair the road network. He also acknowledged the criticism about the speed of the response in rehabilitating the roads.
“I am not satisfied with the speed at which we are moving. The public bureaucracy is challenging to navigate. Still, I assure you that we have implemented the necessary measures. Our programs are now gaining momentum and accelerating,” Holness stated.
Jamaica’s Road Crisis. After being Prime Minister for almost ten years, Mr. Holness stated, “I understand many Jamaicans’ frustration due to poor road conditions. To those affected, I assure you that your concerns are being addressed.”
He argued that unexpected climate events damaged a significant part of the country’s road network.
“The rainfall we experienced last year was unusual and significantly affected infrastructure,” he told the House.
Jamaica’s Road Crisis. Holness indicated that the country’s current infrastructure was not equipped to handle the challenges posed by climate change today.
But, Golding accused the prime minister of pretending to accept responsibility “but in reality seeking to dodge responsibility.”
“To blame the appalling state of the road network on climate change is disingenuous,” the opposition leader said.
Jamaica’s Road Crisis. Golding also chided the Government for not including scheme roads in its repair program under the SPARK program.
Regardless of climate change, the condition of Jamaican roads is unacceptable. The Prime Minister needs to recognize that roads require regular maintenance. He cannot blame climate change for their poor condition if roads have been neglected for nearly a decade.