Concerns Raised Over Friar’s Hill Road Construction Quality

By Shermain Bique-Charles

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The Cabinet has voiced its frustration regarding the engineering quality on a 500-foot segment of Friar’s Hill Road, located just west of the Woods Shopping Center.

Officials highlighted the issue of rapidly worsening road conditions, as potholes have resurfaced after recent rainfall, posing a serious risk to the numerous drivers who use this stretch daily.

The situation has been exacerbated by water runoff from the adjacent paved parking lot and glass-edged building, which has contributed to the erosion of the poorly filled potholes, showcasing significant flaws in the construction and engineering standards.

In light of these concerns, the Cabinet called upon the Director of Public Works—who possesses engineering expertise—to explain why this short section of highway has consistently been problematic, particularly during rainy spells. The Director informed the Cabinet that three primary sources of water have consistently affected the roadway since it was built.

However, several Ministers were not satisfied with the Director’s explanations and proposed that the situation could be remedied by employing a robust concrete mix, alongside the installation of underground pipe drains to redirect runoff towards a nearby pond or waterway, thereby alleviating the water accumulation on the low-lying road.

In a decisive move, the Cabinet has tasked the Director with addressing the roadway issues immediately and developing a comprehensive long-term solution to be presented for their review. The Director is expected to report back to the Cabinet on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.