Poor road design and mismanagement are major contributors to traffic accidents. Many roads remain in deplorable condition due to outdated safety standards, inadequate maintenance, delayed repairs, and weak enforcement of traffic regulations. Funds allocated for road works are often exhausted prematurely, leading to supplementary demands during legislative sessions. Contractors have admitted that only a fraction of the sanctioned amount is spent on actual work, with the rest lost to kickbacks. This has given rise to the public perception of the PWD as a “Payment Works Department.” Lack of oversight results in substandard materials and poor workmanship. Although notices were issued to several contractors for poor road quality, no meaningful action has followed. Poor roads are not a seasonal issue; they persist throughout the year. Patchwork repairs are carried out for public display but provide no lasting solution. Despite the serious impact on road safety, authorities rarely act. Notably, Section 198A of the Motor Vehicles Act, which allows action against responsible contractors and officials, has not been invoked. Public money deserves accountability, and citizens deserve safe roads.
