Belmont Road In Westmoreland Collapses - Urgent Attention Needed

Press Release From Mr Keith Wedderburn, March 19, 2026

A section of the main road in Belmont, Bluefields, has collapsed today, renewing serious concerns about infrastructure vulnerability along Jamaica’s south coast and the consequences of delayed intervention.

The collapse follows a public warning issued as far back as October 2018, which highlighted two high-risk areas along the corridor: the Belmont roadway, affected by coastal erosion, and the deteriorating bridge between Sweet River and Paradise. While the Sweet River bridge was subsequently repaired, the Belmont section—despite visible signs of structural weakening—remained unaddressed until today’s failure.

At the time of the initial warning, clear indicators such as underground erosion, surface cracks, and sinkholes were documented. The absence of early corrective action has now resulted in a situation that could have posed significant danger to motorists, pedestrians, and nearby communities.

“This is not just an infrastructure issue—it is a matter of public safety and accountability,” the original author of the 2018 warning noted. “The signs were there. The concerns were raised. Today’s collapse underscores the cost of inaction.”

Immediate Concerns and Recommendations:

1. Urgent assessment of the affected Belmont roadway and surrounding areas
2. Implementation of temporary safety measures to secure the location
3. Swift mobilization toward permanent repairs
4. Comprehensive audit of other vulnerable points along the South Coast main road
5. Improved response systems to address early warnings and community reports
6. Motorists are being advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid the affected area where possible, as further deterioration cannot be ruled out.
7. This incident has also sparked renewed calls for stronger collaboration between citizens, engineers, and government agencies to ensure that early warning signs are not overlooked in the future.
8. Community members are encouraged to continue sharing verified information and advocating for timely intervention to prevent similar occurrences.

Cracks in the road surface.

View from the ocean showing erosion below the road surface at Belmont.

The view travelling from Kingston to Savan-La-Mar.

Editor's Note

The MP for the area is Dayton Campbell, and the councillor is Michael Jackson.

Please share this blog with community members and those who drive in their area. One area concerns should be the concern for all of us.

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