Poorly lit roads a big headache

Like a ribbon of uncertainty unravelling into an unwelcoming void, stretches of poorly lit roads across Barbados continue to affect drivers and road users.

After video footage of several dark areas was posted on the NationNews Instagram page, the power of social media shed light on more areas, as users spoke out.

One Instagram user shared their thoughts on the limited lighting on the roads as well as the need for proper signage.

Markings

“This is 2025 – we need better lighting on our roads, better signage, better markings on the road; the roads are poorly lit. If you do not know the road and the different twists and turns in Barbados, only God can help you or a trusted Bajan because [signage], lighting or markings certainly will not,” one Instagram user wrote.

In a statement, the Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) said detailed assessments were underway along Highway 2A.

“This is being done to finalise the logistical requirements of the lighting installation plan, which focuses on factors such as angle tilt, beam span and brightness, spacing, and height,” the statement said.

As one Instagram user recommended, a

Weekend Nation team visited Highway 2A between Bagatelle and the St Thomas Parish Church.

“The stretch from Redmans Village to St Lucy Parish Church [has been] poorly lit for decades – it seems as though that stretch isn’t part of Barbados. The roads are deplorable and those same roads are poorly lit . . . .,” another post stated.

In its statement, the MTW also revealed that it had reached out to the authorities as well as another outside entity to try to address the lighting issue.

“Following consultation with the Barbados Police Service, the MTW is also conducting audits of districts and streets that are in critical need of enhanced road safety and street lighting. A portion of the solar lights donated by the People’s Republic of China will become involved in addressing the lighting issue,” the statement added.

Regarding signage, the

statement from MTW also addressed the significance of road markings, stating they “play an important role in the safety of road users as they provide guidance and warning”.

“MTW continues its weekly road marking programme, which has seen the remarking of freshly paved sections of the ABC Highway. The road marking crew has also been installing “cat eyes” or reflectors along several roads to assist with driver visibility,” the statement said.

Potholes

Member of Parliament for St Thomas, Cynthia Forde said: “I come through Rock Hall, St Thomas, where the Freedom Village, and I make the right turn at the wrong about to go down to Lancaster; anything beyond that is pitch dark and you’re talking about a ‘Barber Green’ road and potholes in them?

“So you cannot see where you’re going unless lights are coming up or you put on your bright lights – and then somebody else’s lights are brighter than yours and coming in the opposite direction. So it (the roads) needs to be properly lit,” she posted. As drivers and road users continue to feel left in the dark, MTW said they would provide “more in-depth details on the multidimensional approach at a later stage”. ( CS)