NWA searches for new CEO after 14 Years as pressure mounts for better road management

The National Works Agency (NWA) has begun the search for a new Chief Executive Officer, opening recruitment for one of the most high-profile and demanding leadership positions in the Jamaican public sector.

The vacancy advertisement, published last week, signals the impending end of an era at the agency, with current CEO E.G. Hunter having served in the role for approximately 14 years.

The successful candidate will assume responsibility for an agency charged with planning, constructing and maintaining Jamaica’s main road network and flood-control infrastructure at a time when public scrutiny of road conditions and infrastructure delivery remains intense.

The recruitment exercise comes against the backdrop of growing calls for improved road management, faster project execution and stronger accountability across the sector.

In recent months, motorists, residents and elected representatives have continued to raise concerns about deteriorating roads, potholes, delayed repairs, drainage failures and lengthy restoration periods following utility works.

Among those expressing concern has been St. Andrew North Central MP Delano Seiveright, who recently described road-related issues as the “single biggest headache” facing residents in his constituency.

Speaking at a recent public consultation attended by scores of residents, Seiveright said he had repeatedly raised concerns with the NWA regarding road deterioration, drainage challenges and Sandy Gully infrastructure issues. He also criticised the agency for failing to attend the meeting despite receiving a formal invitation.

While acknowledging the enormous challenge of managing Jamaica’s more than 27,000-kilometre road network, Seiveright argued that residents are increasingly frustrated by what they view as slow response times, weak coordination and inadequate follow-through on infrastructure concerns.

His comments come as the Government advances plans for a One Road Authority, an initiative being championed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness to streamline responsibilities, strengthen accountability and improve coordination among agencies responsible for road infrastructure.

Supporters of the proposal argue that the current system is too fragmented, often resulting in overlapping responsibilities, delayed decision-making and confusion regarding accountability.

Against that backdrop, the appointment of a new NWA chief executive is likely to attract significant attention from stakeholders across both the public and private sectors.

The incoming CEO will inherit responsibility for one of Jamaica’s most visible public agencies at a time when expectations for infrastructure delivery, road maintenance and public responsiveness are perhaps higher than ever.

Applications for the position close on June 19, 2026.