Residents of Sweet Vale, commonly known as Sweet Bottom, St George, on Tuesday expressed cautious optimism that long-promised road repairs will finally become a reality, after decades of deteriorating conditions, worsened by repeated delays, have led to the mounting cost of vehicle damage.

Barbados TODAY traversed the rugged road, pockmarked with potholes and craters, to meet villagers who also described flooding, narrow roadways and safety hazards they said have affected generations.

Ricardo Sellman, 69, noted signs that work could soon begin following discussions with officials from the Ministry of Transport and Works.