Pothole riddled roads wreak havoc, swamp mechanics and tyre shops

The streets of New Providence have become a battleground for drivers as potholes, exacerbated by recent rainfall, wreak havoc on vehicles and finances. From Carmichael Road to Eastern Road, Balfour Avenue to Robinson Road, the island’s roads are riddled with deep craters and sunken asphalt, transforming daily commutes into treacherous obstacle courses. This has led to a surge in demand for tyre shops and mechanics, who are now inundated with customers facing costly repairs. At The Tire Outlet on Faith Avenue, workers report selling up to 30 tyres daily, with numbers spiking after heavy rains obscure potholes beneath water pools. Similarly, Rubberband Tires notes that nearly every customer arrives with pothole-related tyre damage. Mobile repair services are also overwhelmed, with Baton Roker of Keeping You Moving Mobile Tire Repair handling at least 15 calls daily. He humorously remarked that potholes are his ‘best employees,’ as they generate endless work without cost. Mechanics like Kipln Moss highlight that the damage extends beyond tyres, with broken shocks, lower arms, and tie rods becoming commonplace. Residents have taken to social media to share images of damaged vehicles and flooded streets, tagging officials and demanding action. Some have even created online maps to help motorists avoid the worst potholes. At the Ministry of Works, Superintendent Eric Rudon acknowledged the severity of the issue, stating that repair crews are working tirelessly alongside private contractors to address the problem. However, he admitted that the sheer number of potholes makes it impossible to count them all. In 2022, the ministry announced a two-year paving programme set to begin in January 2024, aiming to resurface 55 miles of road. Senior civil engineer Francis Clarke assured that once the paving network is stabilised, pothole complaints will significantly decrease. Yet, with thousands of potholes plaguing the capital and similar issues reported in Abaco and other islands, the promise of relief feels distant for many motorists.