Jamaica: Call for Permanent Fix to Lucea's Flooded, Potholed Road

Residents and stakeholders in Lucea, Hanover, Jamaica, are demanding a permanent fix for the deteriorating Seaview Drive, a main thoroughfare plagued by deep potholes and frequent flooding.

Although the National Works Agency (NWA) has initiated drain-cleaning and patching works, these efforts have resulted in significant daily traffic congestion in the town. Heatha Miller Bennett, Member of Parliament for Hanover Western, acknowledged the temporary measures but stressed the need for a lasting solution, stating, "What you’re seeing now is some roadwork commenced yesterday [Tuesday night] to fix that area. But it’s a temporary measure, and I look forward to that permanent fix as per the discussion with the National Works Agency and the Minister for Roads."

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What you’re seeing now is some roadwork commenced yesterday [Tuesday night] to fix that area. But it’s a temporary measure, and I look forward to that permanent fix as per the discussion with the National Works Agency and the Minister for Roads.

The roadway, susceptible to water damage from the sea, has undergone numerous repairs over the years, with major work carried out in 2023. Last September, the NWA announced plans to shift from asphalt to concrete pavement for the roadway, but there has been no further update on this development.

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We understand that these things take time, but while we wait for that permanent fix, we cannot allow our business… to be stifled or cut off while we wait.

Richard Wallace, Chairman of the Destination Assurance Council (DAC), highlighted the potential long-term solution of a bypass road between Negril and Montego Bay. However, he emphasized the immediate need for remedies to prevent the ongoing issues from stifling local businesses and the vital tourism sector. "We understand that these things take time, but while we wait for that permanent fix, we cannot allow our business… to be stifled or cut off while we wait," Wallace stated.

The poor road surface, characterized by deep potholes and floodwaters, is severely impacting commuters and the tourism industry, including hotels, attractions, and cruise shipping. Wallace expressed grave concern, noting, "Negril is literally being cut off from our source… This is really a bad situation, and we have reached out to the authorities." He appealed for urgent action to address the problem.

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Negril is literally being cut off from our source… This is really a bad situation, and we have reached out to the authorities.