Cabbies park cars to fix road

In a display of community action, several taxi operators who ply the Linstead route parked their vehicles last Thursday and took to the streets with tools in hands to repair a hazardous section of road near Charlemont in St Catherine.

Among the group was Khadine Pearson, a determined female taxi operator, who was seen mixing concrete with impressive speed.

Pearson, who services the Linstead to Moneague route, explained that the damaged section of the roadway posed a risk to road users.

"We decided as a group that we need to address the situation urgently. So we set about buying material and worked as a team to help and address the concerns," Pearson said.

Armed with shovels, cement, and sand, the group worked tirelessly to fill in the massive pothole, a clear sign of their commitment to ensuring the safety of all who travel this treacherous route.

"This is a dangerous spot, and, as a taxi driver, we take this journey several times a day," said Milton Treasure, a fellow operator.

The road, infamous for its history of serious accidents, has seen countless crashes over time, which have left many motorists fearful.

Marlon Martin, a passing motorist, hailed the cabbies for the bold initiative.

"I'm very pleased to see that something is being done. This is a way to show independence," Martin said

Motorists told THE STAR that the treacherous stretch has been a frequent culprit in the need for car-parts replacements, becasue of the constant danger it poses to vehicles.

"It's time someone does something. This could save lives and spare people from injury," said one driver.

The Government has earmarked $45 billion to repair roads across the island under its Shared Prosperity Through Accelerated Improvement to Our Road Network (SPARK) programme. Some $8 billion has been set aside in the 2025/26 Budget for its implementation.