
By Charlie Hermosa
Our roads are more than just pathways connecting our homes, schools, and businesses. They are lifelines for our daily lives, our economy, and our safety. Yet, as anyone who drives on this island knows, our roads are in a state of disrepair. Potholes, poor drainage, faded markings, and uneven surfaces have become the norm, not the exception. At night and when it rains, its almost impossible to see if you are staying within your lane. In certain intersections, like the one leading up to JFK High School and Kmart, it almost seems like there is an extra lane formed because drivers do not know where the lanes divide. I know what I am saying is nothing new, but I am hoping if we continue to discuss this, we do not have to wait until the next election period for the government of Guam to prioritize fixing our roads. This not only goes to the current administration but also the newly elected leaders of the 38th Guam Legislature.
The condition of our roads is more than an inconvenience; it’s a hazard. Potholes damage vehicles, leading to costly repairs that many families cannot afford. This was something I personally felt as I changed out a tire one late evening a few weeks ago. Poorly maintained roads also create dangerous driving conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents. For pedestrians and cyclists, the risks are even greater, as the lack of proper sidewalks and bike lanes forces them onto unsafe roadways.
Bad roads cost our economy more than we realize. As our tourism market goes through a transformation, we need to match the value that our island is trying to offer to what our tourists expect. They should not come to our island and feel as though they were “scammed.” We want to offer an unforgettable experience, not one that is tarnished by our substandard roads.
Investing in road infrastructure is not just about convenience; it’s about fostering economic growth. Think about it, look at Slowwalk Cafe and the newly built McDonalds in Mangilao, do they match the roads that lead you to them? No, they do not.
The government of Guam must take responsibility for the condition of our roads. Similar to how they should take responsibility for the hundreds and thousand of appliances that have been ruined through the power outages and load shedding. While budget constraints and competing priorities are challenges, they cannot be excuses for inaction. Fixing our roads requires better planning, transparent allocation of funds, and accountability.
We have seen patchwork repairs time and time again. Quick fixes that do not last and often worsen the problem. What we need is a comprehensive, long-term strategy for road improvement and maintenance that aligns with other maintenance projects happening throughout the island. Once again, who is our project management czar? There is also a place for technology that can improve efficiencies.
Our roads are a reflection of our government’s priorities. It’s time to pave the way for a better future, literally.
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Charlie Hermosa is a local businessman and Republican candidate for governor of Guam in the 2026 election. He was a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a combat veteran.
1 Comments
Paul Tobiason
12/22/2024 at 9:41 AM
Thanks for bringing this issue out. Are we not embarrassed by our road conditions ? Tumon is quite bad yet we want more tourists. They must have a low opinion of our road maintenance. And road patches by DPW are such poor quality. Why can’t we use some DOC inmates for some small repairs ? And pay them, too ! DPW tells me they have not enough money. That seems to be the never ending excuse.