Fed-up residents in St Lucy, particularly in River Bay, Hope Road and Crab Hill, say years of neglect and new water main works have left their roads almost impassable, with some describing the daily commute as a hazard rather than a routine drive.
They have called for urgent action from the authorities to repair crumbling roads before someone is seriously hurt.
With the sight of deep craters, loose gravel from eroding edges, and dust rising in clouds as vehicles pass, concerned residents are describing it “as a daily test of endurance”.
“These roads have been deteriorating for years and with the current mains replacement being conducted by the Barbados Water Authority, we are now forced to zigzag our way through to our respective destinations while risking damage to our vehicles,” said one resident.
This combination of long-standing neglect and ongoing construction has left drivers navigating a precarious path, often requiring constant vigilance.
“It is beyond ridiculous now,” said Mark Toppin, who has lived on Hope Road for decades. “When you see a big truck or a bus coming, you have to pull over and stop, because both of you can’t fit properly on the road. The sides are breaking away and in the middle of the road, it is full of big potholes.” And for many other residents, this is not simply an inconvenience; it is a real safety concern.
Commuters who use the road every day also described their journey negatively, calling it a “balancing act” that requires careful navigation to avoid the worst spots. Some said they have now “resorted to sometimes taking a longer route just to spare their vehicles”.
And as if the current situation were not bad enough when it is dry, it worsens after heavy rain, when the potholes fill with water and disguise their depth. As a result, residents are forced to creep across the rocky terrain and take their chances.
Another issue in the northern part of the island is limited street lighting in some areas, making these stretches even trickier to navigate.
One resident, who recently moved to the Crab Hill area and identified himself as Ricky, said: “Sometimes, I have to rely on my memory so I don’t mash up my car. But still, every day there is a new pothole.”
For many in these northern communities, the issue has gone far beyond frustration and is now boiling over to a point where they feel overlooked. It also mirrors the struggle of several other communities across the island, where deteriorating roads have become a sore point. And while major highways and urban areas have seen resurfacing works in recent years, many smaller neighbourhoods continue to wait.
For the people of St Lucy, the deteriorating condition of the roads continues to disrupt daily life, affecting travel, vehicle maintenance, and overall safety. Residents are now urging authorities to prioritise a long-term maintenance plan or, at minimum, provide temporary fixes while replacing mains to ensure safer travel. They describe the situation not just as a matter of inconvenience, but as “a concern for public safety and accessibility” that can no longer be ignored. (DT)
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