We, the undersigned citizens and taxpayers of Jamaica, respectfully petition for the implementation of stronger accountability measures governing road repair and rehabilitation works carried out by contractors on behalf of the Government. Background and Concern

It has become increasingly evident that numerous road repair projects deteriorate within weeks or months of completion. The premature failure of these works results in repeated expenditure of public funds to repair the same roadways, thereby placing undue financial strain on taxpayers and undermining public confidence in infrastructure management. We respectfully request the following measures:

Mandatory Minimum Warranty Period That all contractors engaged in road repair or rehabilitation projects be required to provide a minimum three (3) year written warranty on completed works. Where defects occur within this period due to workmanship or material failure, contractors should be obligated to remedy the defects at their own expense.

Enhanced Supervision and Inspection Strengthened on-site supervision by qualified engineers and independent inspectors during all phases of roadwork, including material preparation, compaction, drainage design, and finishing.

Material Standards and Approval Protocols Formal approval and verification of materials to be used prior to project commencement, including documented quality testing (e.g., asphalt composition, aggregate strength, compaction levels).

Design Adaptation for Water-Prone Roadways In areas where roadways function as water channels during rainfall, consideration should be given to the use of reinforced concrete or other durable alternatives rather than standard asphalt surfaces, which are prone to rapid erosion.

Performance Bonds and Retention Sums Enforcement of performance bonds or retention sums to ensure financial accountability in the event of early failure.

Impact of Substandard Road Repairs

The continued cycle of premature road failure has far-reaching consequences, including, but not limited to:

Increased motor vehicle accidents Loss of life and bodily injury Accelerated wear and tear on vehicles (suspension, tires, steering components) Increased vehicle maintenance costs Compromised vehicle roadworthiness and fitness inspections Traffic congestion and reduced productivity Increased fuel consumption due to damaged surfaces Delays to emergency response vehicles Disruption of public transportation routes Reduced investor confidence in infrastructure reliability Flooding and drainage issues due to poor road grading Economic losses for businesses dependent on reliable transportation routes

Conclusion

Taxpayer funds should not be repeatedly allocated to correct defects that arise shortly after project completion. Durable infrastructure is not merely a convenience; it is a matter of public safety, economic stability, and responsible governance.

We respectfully urge the relevant authorities to review and strengthen current procurement, supervision, and warranty policies to ensure long-term value and accountability in road infrastructure projects. Respectfully submitted

%%your signature%%