The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has announced a major infrastructure initiative, dedicating $220 million from the Parochial Revenue Fund to address the critical state of roadways across all 40 divisions of the municipality. Mayor Andrew Swaby confirmed the allocation during the monthly KSAMC meeting, framing it as a direct response to persistent complaints from residents and commuters regarding potholes and deteriorating road surfaces.
The comprehensive rehabilitation program will encompass a variety of techniques, including patching, resurfacing, and targeted repairs to the most damaged sections. Mayor Swaby emphasized that the funds are being channeled through the Divisional Allocation Fund to ensure community-specific needs are met. However, he simultaneously expressed significant concern over the financial constraints facing the corporation, stating that the allocated sum is insufficient to fully address the extensive repairs required across the entire road network under its jurisdiction.
Mayor Swaby contextualized the current funding challenge within a broader, ongoing struggle for adequate financial support from the central government. He revealed that the KSAMC receives approximately $75 million per month for road maintenance, a figure he described as a ‘drop in the bucket’ compared to the scale of the task. He contrasted this with the separate budgetary allocations available to the National Works Agency (NWA), which does not have to compete for funding between road maintenance and other critical activities like drain cleaning.
Despite these constraints, Mayor Swaby assured councillors that the KSAMC remains committed to maximizing the impact of the available funds. The corporation will adhere to strict procurement guidelines to ensure compliance and secure the best possible value for every dollar spent. While this injection of $220 million will provide tangible relief in the coming weeks, the mayor reiterated that a sustainable, long-term solution is dependent on a significantly increased and dedicated budget from central government sources.