The roads are a mess yes, however, I believe the reason they have for the last couple of years, only been patched up instead of being done properly is that there is a new sewerage system in the offing, and possibly more electrical and water works to be completed. I am told that after all of this is done, the roads will be finished off properly. Not much point really doing it all just to dig it up again.
I have been here for 4 and a half years now, and have seen many improvements...more parks, street lighting etc, but Rome was not built in a day...these things take time.