Morgan Rejects Azan’s Road Spending Claims, Calls for ‘Facts, Not Soundbites’

Morgan Rejects Azan’s Road Spending Claims, Calls for ‘Facts, Not Soundbites’

Minister with responsibility for works, Robert Morgan, has pushed back against criticism from the Opposition over the Government’s road rehabilitation efforts, urging that the debate be grounded in verifiable facts rather than what he described as political soundbites.

Morgan was responding to comments made last week by Opposition Spokesman on Roads, Richard Azan, who accused the Government of spending billions of dollars on road programmes without delivering meaningful improvements to Jamaica’s road network.

In a statement issued by his ministry on Tuesday, Morgan said the Opposition People’s National Party had relied on “broad claims, inflammatory language and selective accusations” while failing to provide concrete details to substantiate its assertions.

“Azan alleges that billions have been spent while road conditions continue to deteriorate, but he provides no figures, no defined timeframe, no project list and no contract references,” Morgan said.

The minister added that if the Opposition possessed evidence of wrongdoing or mismanagement, it should be formally submitted to the appropriate authorities rather than raised through public insinuation.

“If Azan has evidence—names, contracts, payments or conflicts—his duty is to take that information to the relevant authorities,” Morgan stated. “If he does not, then such insinuation is irresponsible. Public confidence in infrastructure programmes should not be undermined by vague claims made for political effect.”

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

“Jamaicans were promised improved road conditions,” Azan said. “Instead, what we are seeing across the country is continued deterioration, vehicle damage, rising transport costs and growing public frustration.”

Azan cited protests by taxi operators in St Thomas, as well as complaints from residents in St Mary and East Portland, as evidence of widespread dissatisfaction. He also referenced concerns circulating about spending on specific road projects in St Thomas, suggesting that the allegations highlighted an “urgent need for transparency and full disclosure” regarding 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,” Azan said.

However, Morgan maintained that the Government has been delivering measurable improvements and said the administration remains open to scrutiny, but will not accept criticism that lacks supporting details.

“We welcome scrutiny,” Morgan said, “but we will continue to reject criticism without particulars and insinuation without proof.”

The minister pointed to the objectives of the SPARK programme, which he said focuses on improved drainage and stronger road construction; the GO Road Rehabilitation Programme, which is addressing potholes and damaged corridors following Hurricane Melissa; and the REACH programme, which responded to road damage caused by Hurricane Beryl.

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

Morgan also highlighted ongoing reforms within the sector, including plans to establish a One Road Authority, which he said is intended to strengthen oversight, modernise the management of the road network and improve accountability.

In a pointed remark, the minister suggested that political commentary should not come at the expense of accuracy.

“Simply because Azan is forced to say something does not mean he is forced to say just about anything for a soundbite,” Morgan said. “He should begin to read and understand government policy and actions rather than engage in lazy commentary that helps no one.”

Morgan concluded by saying that Jamaicans deserve evidence-based discussion, transparent reporting and consistent execution when it comes to national infrastructure development.

The exchange comes amid heightened public concern over road conditions across the island, with infrastructure spending and accountability expected to remain key issues in the national political discourse.

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