Morgan rejects Azan’s road spending criticism, urges 'facts not soundbites'

Minister with responsibility for works, Robert Morgan, has dismissed the Opposition's criticism of the Government’s handling of road rehabilitation programmes, saying it should "replace rhetoric with verifiable facts".

Responding to a statement issued by Opposition spokesman on roads Richard Azan last week, Morgan said the Opposition People's National Party had offered “broad claims, inflammatory language and selective accusations” but failed to provide details to support claims that billions of dollars had been spent without meaningful improvement to the country’s roads.

“Azan alleges that billions have been spent while conditions continue to deteriorate, but provides no figures, no defined timeframe, no project list and no contract references,” Morgan said in a statement from his ministry on Tuesday.

He added: “If Azan has evidence—names, contracts, payments, conflicts—his duty is to submit it to the relevant authorities. If he does not, then insinuation is irresponsible. Public confidence in infrastructure programmes should not be undermined by vague claims made for political effect.”

In his party's statement issued on January 9, Azan argued that Jamaicans were growing increasingly frustrated as poor road conditions persist islandwide despite repeated announcements under the Government’s SPARK, REACH and GO road rehabilitation programmes.

“Jamaicans were promised improved road conditions. Instead, what we are seeing across the country is continued deterioration, vehicle damage, rising transport costs and growing public frustration,” he said, pointing to protests by taxi operators in St Thomas and concerns from residents in St Mary and East Portland.

Azan also referenced concerns circulating about spending on specific projects in St Thomas, saying the allegations underscored “the urgent need for transparency and full disclosure” on how funds are allocated and spent.

“The Government owes the country a clear and detailed accounting of how much has been spent under these programmes, where the works were carried out, and why so many roads remain in unacceptable condition,” he said.

However, Morgan insisted that the administration has been delivering tangible improvements and said the Government "welcomes scrutiny but will continue to reject criticism without particulars and insinuation without proof".

The minister cited the SPARK road programme’s emphasis on improved drainage and stronger road construction, the GO Road Rehabilitation Programme which he said is addressing potholes and damaged corridors following Hurricane Melissa, and the REACH programme which responded to damage from Hurricane Beryl.

“These are not slogans; they are practical interventions, implemented with agencies and contractors on the ground and focused on results communities can see and use,” Morgan stated.

He further pointed to ongoing reforms, including the planned One Road Authority, which he said is intended to strengthen oversight, modernise management of the road network and improve accountability.

“Simply because Azan is forced to say something doesn’t mean he is forced to say just about anything for a soundbite,” Morgan added.

“He should begin to read and understand government policy and actions rather than this lazy sort of commentary that helps no one. Jamaicans deserve evidence-based discussion, transparent reporting and steady execution.”

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