$4.78 Billion to Continue Infrastructure Upgrade

The Government will spend another $4.78 billion in 2019/2020 to continue the improvement of the island’s road infrastructure.

This is outlined in the 2019/20 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives.

The money, which has been provided under the Major Infrastructure Development Programme (MIDP), will go towards commencing road construction works along the Ferris to Mackfield stretch in Westmoreland and achieve 70 per cent completion.

The funds will also be used to continue and complete phase one of the Mandela Highway Improvement Project, continue road construction works on Hagley Park Road and achieve 65 per cent completion, continue road construction works on Constant Spring Road and achieve 70 per cent completion, and continue and complete road construction works on Barbican Road.

Up to December 2018 under the project, rehabilitation of approximately 192km of the 430km of prioritised roads were completed; and rehabilitation or reconstruction of eight of the 27 critical bridges targeted were completed.

The project, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, seeks to continue the improvement of the island’s road network in order to enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Jamaica and to stimulate economic development.

It was originally slated to run from September 2013 to September 2018. However, following an extension, it is expected to be completed in May 2019.

The project is being jointly funded by the Government of Jamaica and China Exim Bank.