The Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of Jamaica says road repair on Marcus Garvey Drive is causing importers to lose millions of dollars because of the slow pace at which goods can move out of the island's major industrial and shipping area.

Donovan Wignal, president of the association, says the work being carried out by the National Works Agency (NWA) is moving too slowly.

"The situation is very serious and there is need for urgent action, and we are of the view that the work now being carried out is inadequate, highly disruptive and a major contributory factor to the total chaos which now exists," said Mr. Wignal in a letter to The Gleaner.

He said that "The carrying out of this work during the day has not only brought traffic to a virtual standstill, but is now costing importers millions of dollars in additional costs for demurrage and storage as a result of the snail's pace at which goods can now be moved from and transported to the wharves". Mr. Wignal added: "In view of the seriousness of the situation we are calling upon the relevant authorities to take immediate steps to significantly increase the pace and scope of the work now being carried out and to do this work during the night when there is very little traffic. This chaotic situation cannot continue."