Neita Garvey calls for temporary waiver of cost to use N-S Highway

Opposition Spokesperson on Local Government and Member of Parliament (MP) for North Central St Catherine, Natalie Neita Garvey, has urged the Government to seek to get a temporarily waiver of the fees for the public to travel on the Edward Seaga (North-South) Highway.

The proposal seeks to provide immediate relief for some citizens who are being impacted by recent road closures and severe commuting disruptions after the passage of Tropical Storm Rafael, the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) said in a release on Saturday.

Boulders are presently blocking sections of the Bog Walk Gorge in St Catherine, which is a vital roadway that links Spanish Town to Linstead and Ewarton.

Teams from the National Works Agency (NWA) have been working to break the boulders into smaller pieces up to Saturday afternoon, but the agency previously stated that the roadway, as well as the areas from which the boulders were dislodged, will have to be assessed before the road can be safely used.

In a letter to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the PNP said Neita Garvey highlighted the storm's devastating impact on Jamaica's already damaged road network.

Natalie Neita Garvey

"Many rural communities, especially in St Catherine, are struggling to manage daily activities, with blocked roads and worsening conditions complicating their routines," the PNP stated.

The parliamentary Opposition said Neita Garvey noted that workers and students who rely on the Bog Walk Gorge for daily transit are facing "unsustainable fare hikes," with some fares rising from $200 to $500 per trip.

"I am particularly concerned about the commuting public, especially our workers and students," said Neita Garvey.

"These extreme fare increases are not only reducing productivity, but also preventing students from reaching school as they prepare for their end-of-term exams," she added.

She said opening the toll road to the public, at no cost, would provide crucial support during the existing challenging period.

"It is the best solution to alleviate the financial strain on our people and keep essential travel accessible while work continues to clear the gorge," Neita Garvey declared.