$3.34 Billion Allocated to Improve Road Network

The Major Infrastructure Development Programme (MIDP) has received an allocation of $3.34 billion in the 2015/16 Estimates of Expenditure, now before Parliament.

The project seeks to continue improvement of the island’s road network in order to stimulate economic development and enhance the welfare of Jamaica’s citizens.

Achievements to date, include: completion of an engineering feasibility study; signing of a conditional contract agreement between the Government of Jamaica and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), which is carrying out the project; and completion of negotiations in relation to prices for undertaking civil works on eight roads and six bridges.

Anticipated targets for 2015/16 include: commencement and completion of repair works to community roads, retaining walls, and drainage structures under the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP) phases five and six; and commencement of rehabilitation works on prioritized main roads and bridges.

The project is funded by China EXIM Bank and is expected to be completed by February 2018.