Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica is now firmly in a new phase of road development and maintenance, as the continued operationalisation of the SPARK Programme (Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to Our Road Network) begins to take shape across the island.

“Proper drainage has been installed, curb walls are in place, and access into the homes has been paved and carefully designed,” Holness said.

Speaking during an inspection of four fully rehabilitated roads in St Catherine, the prime minister acknowledged the quality of the infrastructure and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering durable and well-maintained roads for Jamaican communities.

He reminded Jamaicans that many roads, especially in older housing schemes, have far exceeded their intended lifespan and were never adequately maintained after initial construction.

“There is this notion that once a road is paved, it should last forever. But roads have a lifespan, generally between 7 and 15 years, depending on maintenance. In many communities, the roads have not been touched since the schemes were first built decades ago. That is the reality we are now confronting, Holness continued.”

The SPARK Programme is being rolled out in phases to rehabilitate 680 local roads, along with targeted main roads, across Jamaica. Designed as a consultative and community-responsive programme, SPARK allows for direct input from residents in determining priority roads.

“This road wasn’t selected by the member of parliament alone. It came out of a process of community consultation. Every resident wants their road done, understandably, and through SPARK, we are approaching this challenge fairly and systematically,” the prime minister explained.

A major feature of the programme is the inclusion of a dedicated road maintenance component, representing a policy shift from past practices.

“We are not only fixing roads. We are now planning how they will be maintained. That means sealing cracks early, patching potholes promptly, and holding individuals accountable for damage caused by water runoff or improper use of heavy equipment,” the prime minister stated.

He emphasised that the government’s ability to execute such a comprehensive programme is directly tied to its strong economic performance.

“Asphalt must be bought. Contractors must be paid. These things are only possible when the economy is being managed responsibly. We had to fix the economy first, and now that we have, we are executing the programme that will fix your roads.

“The SPARK Programme is moving, the work is being done, and your roads will be repaired and maintained with the quality and care that every Jamaican deserves,” Holness said, reaffirming the government’s long-term commitment.