The Editor, Sir:

During the recent persistent rains, one morning my son said, "Rain again! After all, Jamaica is the land of wood and water." I gave a wry smile then, but as I traverse the treacherous roads that have rapidly deteriorated during the recent rains, I keep asking myself, why do we have so many dry-weather roads in the 'land of wood and water'?

We should know the weather conditions, the volume of traffic, the consistency and quality of the materials used, the quality of workmanship and all that is required to make durable roads. If we know these things, why do we consistently spend millions of dollars to construct roads that cannot withstand water? Who is accountable for this? If we cannot hold people accountable for tangibles, how can we hold others accountable for intangibles?

better way needed

There was a time when roads were built to last for many years. Now they last for not many days. There has to be a better way. It was not always like this.

The song Go down Emanuel Road Gyal an Bwai Fi Go Bruk Rackstone reminds us of a time when stones were used in the construction of roads. When people broke stones instead of breaking up one another; when people could earn money by breaking stones rather than loitering and wandering aimlessly day after day; the roads were better constructed and lasted longer and more people were gainfully employed and were less aggressive.

Jamaicans may well be better off going back to breaking stones to fix the roads in their communities rather than continuing the construction of dry-weather roads in the 'land of wood and water.

I am, etc.,

WINNIE ANDERSON-

BROWN

winab@cwjamaica.com

Bagatelle District

Ashley P.A.

Clarendon