The National Council of Public Transportation (NCOPT) has expressed grave concern over the road conditions along the West Coast route.
According to the Council, the conditions pose potential threats to bus drivers and passengers. Open trenches, potholes, and traffic congestion have made the route “unacceptable,” according to NCOPT Public Relations Officer Spencer McPhee.
During an interview with St. Lucia Times, McPhee opened up about the daily tough challenges bus drivers and passengers face.
“The council has received letters from its affiliates from the West Coast, from Soufriere and as far as the La Croix route,” said McPhee. “The road surface issues, potholes, and open trenches are a major concern. We are very concerned with the danger posed to motorists, commuters, and our passengers at this time.”
The NCOPT acknowledges that ongoing road rehabilitation efforts between Cul-de-Sac and Soufriere contribute to some inconvenience.
However, McPhee highlighted that the open trenches—many of them not adequately marked—and the worsening road conditions have made the situation increasingly dangerous and urgent.
McPhee explained that the issue has been ongoing for over three months, with the road conditions worsening in recent weeks.
As a result, he says commute times have stretched longer, vehicles are getting more damaged, and frustration is mounting among drivers and passengers.
“Drivers’ mental health and the condition of buses are suffering,” he said. “Traffic congestion is worse than ever. In areas like Hess, where traffic was minimal before, it’s now a daily struggle because of the road.”
The NCOPT intends to first meet with representatives from the affected routes—Soufriere, Anse La Raye, Millet, La Croix, and Jacmel—before escalating discussions with the Ministry of Infrastructure.
McPhee says the NCOPT advocates swift government intervention to address the hazards.
“We’re hoping good sense will prevail. The trenches have been there for months, and they’re a disaster waiting to happen. We’re speaking about road safety and people’s lives. This isn’t just about buses; this is about everyone on the road.”
The Council hopes to meet with Senior Minister Stephenson King and his team soon to find a solution that prioritises safety and mitigates the growing risks.
“We’re all in this together,” McPhee concluded. “It’s time for meaningful action before this crisis escalates further.”
For now, the drivers and passengers along the west coast route are left navigating hazardous roads, waiting for resolution and relief.
Photo: Spencer McPhee
King is on a roll (no pun intended). The Millennium Highway and everything else is a disaster. The place is in a man-made mess. I wonder if this man ever gets out to see what’s happening. I sincerely hope no one gets hurt because of the dangerous conditions.
What else is New ?
Question, If someone gets hurt because of the poor road conditions in this country, who is held responsible? Will the government cover the medical costs? Some of these potholes are so big and found in blind corners and even worse when it rains. Who covers the costs for our damages? We need to strike for better road conditions in this country. Spending so much money on vehicles maintainence. Are we waiting for something bad to happen?
Your terrible and unsafe road conditions are one reason we will go somewhere safer on vacation. We have been there eight times but won’t visit again with our tourist dollars when your roads are so dangerous, you have inadequate emergency health care, not to speak of one of top five countries in the world for murder rate.
Why are y’all so bias and ignorant, road rehabilitation works are going yet y’all complaining, are y’all implying that the roads should be in carpet stages while the works are on going ****
I concure with the PRO, this is total madness in this place, someone needs to take responsibility for our vehicles that are being damaged.
I concure with the PRO, this is total madness
Fix the roads
Road works are going on, but my friend Spencer, as we all know a strong UWP supporter is complaining. When the road was not under repair he was complaining, now it’s under repair he is still complaining. Good job Spencer.
I see 2 idiots (Troy and one of the Anons) in the comments who don’t get that there is a right way to go about repairing and resurfacing roads, and a wrong way. Despite it being done it has to be done safely. People like you who insist on making this political is why this country is in the mess it is. Instead of demanding better from the government you make it about party loyalty over betterment of country.
Nowadays even when you are in the right and you pay your tax dollars and question the accountability from government you are attacked for your democratic right.
I say enough is enough. St Lucians are suffering while a few defend their victory. When it is wrong. Say it is wrong. We demand better conditions on the West Coast Road.
The entity responsible for this MESS is NAMALCO, the company contracted for the West Coast project. How can you grade an entire length of road if the asphalt is not available to cover the surface immediately. The persistent rain and constant vehicular traffic deteriorated the surface even further. First it was CO Williams now NAMLCO.
RAYNEAU to the rescue, please.
I support the PRO. Along the Jacmel and Roseau highway. These pot holes are do deep, that is a disaster for accident in trying to avoid these holes.
You are area the road is under construction.
It’s just a political gimmick.
Lucian be patient.
Let’s pay our tax to develop our county .
We need to have pride in our country.
Troy Francis you are correct .
Stop that red and yellow foolishness, let us take pride in our country .
Stop the noise and let’s us work together for the betterment of our country
It’s a political game .