$1 Billion to be Spent on Infrastructural Projects
By: , May 22, 2015The Key Point:
Photo: Donald Delahaye
Minister of Transport, Works and Housing, Dr. the Hon. Omar Davies (3rd left), signs contracts for over $1 billion for road repairs and the building of bridges under the Major Infrastructure Development Programme (MIDP), today (May 21), at his Ministry’s Maxfield Avenue offices, in St. Andrew. Others participating in the signing are (from left): Operations Director with S and G Road Surfacing, James Samson; Member of Parliament for South East Clarendon, Mr. Rudyard Spencer, and General Manager with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), Xutao Chen. Standing from left are: Minister with responsibility for Housing, Hon. Morais Guy; Mayor of May Pen, Councillor Scean Barnswell; Communications Manager at the National Works Agency (NWA), Stephen Shaw, and State Minister in the Ministry, Hon. Richard Azan.The Facts
- Works under MIDP are divided into three components - major projects, US$220 million, undertaken by CHEC; US$82 million for medium size works; while the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP) is allocated US$50 million.
The Full Story
In another two weeks, infrastructural projects valued at over $1 billion will commence, under the US$352 million Major Infrastructure Development Programme (MIDP).
Signing of the contracts to improve roadways and build bridges took place today (May 21), at the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, in Kingston.
Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Omar Davies; the main contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and sub-contractors signed the documents.
In his address, the Minister told the contractors and sub-contractors that they have to perform, because the people and Government must get value for money.
He emphasised that while persons will be getting work from the projects, it must be clear to all that every dollar spent must be justified to the public, and the Parliament.
“Under this programme, there were bids and people tendered. The scope was advertised, and everybody (sub contractors) who are here won a bid,” Minister Davies said, noting that the bidding process is ensuring that the projects are carried out at reasonable costs.
“The bid process gives you better value for your money. There is transparency and equity, and there is a benefit to the country…the tender process yields you better results,” he added.
Works under MIDP are divided into three components – major projects, US$220 million, undertaken by CHEC; US$82 million for medium size works; while the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP) is allocated US$50 million.
The MIDP is funded jointly by the China Ex-Im Bank, and the Government of Jamaica. It aims to secure the rehabilitation of approximately 430 kilometres of roads, deemed in need of urgent attention to facilitate seamless vehicular movement; the rehabilitation or construction of 27 bridges and retaining walls; and executing supporting protective works identified by the National Works Agency (NWA).