THE EDITOR, Sir:

REFERENCE IS made to the recent Opposition People's National Party's (PNP) allegation that political considerations are being given with regard to the constituencies in which roadwork is being carried out by the Ministry of Transport and Works.

As I was getting ready to criticise the Government, I realised that such allegations were coming from the PNP's spokesman on transport and works, Robert Pickersgill, who has developed a stellar reputation for making spurious and baseless charges.

Transport and Works Minister Mike Henry was seemingly able to safely reject Pickersgill's claims, asserting that meaningful road repairs are being carried out in Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and PNP represented constituencies alike.

Precautionary measure

I support the imposition of the special consumption tax (SCT) on petrol, and I am pleased to hear that a projected total of $1 billion from the SCT is expected to enhance the Road Maintenance Fund (RMF) this year.

More money should gradually become available to the RMF, assuming there is no noticeable decrease in the demand for petrol, as 35 per cent of the SCT is expected to be allocated next year and 50 per cent in 2011.

As a precautionary measure, and to ward off such future allegations, Henry may want to consider establishing an RMF committee, operating similar to the Constituency Development Fund, where all 60 members of parliament would submit requests for roadwork in their constituencies. The promised but yet to be established and explained oversight committee could probably manage this process.

After all, the SCT on fuel is being paid by motorists residing in all 60 constituencies (even though residents in some constituencies may purchase more petrol and, therefore, pay more SCT) and there are bad roads in all constituencies (though not to the same degree), so it is only fair that everyone be made to benefit.

Controversial and equitable formula

Since the RMF is also to be used for contingency purposes in the event of natural disasters, a portion of said fund should be budgeted each year for such purposes, with the remainder or a specific percentage of the remainder budgeted each year to be shared among all 60 constituencies.

Naturally, in the event of a natural disaster, some constituencies may benefit more from the fund than others, as the damage suffered will not necessarily be uniformed throughout. Further, as not all constituencies will be in equal need, an uncontroversial and equitable formula, other than equal disbursement, should be considered.

It is in Jamaica's interest that our roads are as decent as possible, and that our need for quality roads does not continue to be a perennial political issue.

I am, etc.,

KEVIN K.O. SANGSTER

sangstek@msn.com