KINGSTON, Jamaica — Residents of Lower Halls Delight, St. Andrew, are growing increasingly frustrated with what they describe as inadequate efforts by the National Works Authority (NWA) to address boulders blocking a major road in Constitution Hill. The boulders, which collapsed onto the road following a 5.6 magnitude earthquake in October 2023, have remained partially obstructing traffic for months.
Despite the road being cleared of snow after Hurricane Beryl passed south of the island on July 3, the hazardous boulders remain. This ongoing issue has heightened tensions among locals, who are concerned about the safety risks posed by the partially obstructed road.
“This rock is an unsettling hazard every time you drive past it,” said one frustrated resident to Observer Online. “It blocks half the road and shares the other half. You have to be cautious when approaching because visibility is poor, and you can’t see what’s ahead.”
The resident also criticized St Andrew East Rural Member of Parliament Juliet Holness, who had initially cautioned that removing the rock might lead to further rock falls. “How can the government prioritize the risks of this year’s hurricane over last year’s earthquake?” the resident questioned.
Additional frustrations have surfaced regarding a recent road widening project in the area, which residents believe should have addressed the boulder issue earlier. “The area needs immediate repair before the rainy season begins,” another resident urged.
Attempts to get a response from NWA communications and customer service manager Stephen Shaw were initially met with acknowledgment of the problem but were followed by a lack of further communication despite subsequent inquiries.
