Rencombe to get $35 Million Bridge

Work is to commence next week on the construction of a new bridge in the community of Rencombe in St. Catherine.

The Government, today (Feb. 11), signed a $35 million contract with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to undertake the works under the Major Infrastructure Development Programme (MIDP).

The four-month project will involve installation of a pre-fabricated steel structure, which will significantly improve access to the area, particularly when it rains.

Minister of Transport, Works and Housing, Hon. Dr. Omar Davies, who signed the contract at his Maxfield Avenue offices in St. Andrew, said the bridge will bring improvements to the community.

“Once the bridge is completed, the opportunities for development will multiply,” he said.

Minister Davies noted that small and medium construction projects, undertaken under MIDA and JEEP, bring important benefits to communities that benefit from such initiatives.

“Both the JEEP and the bridge building programme have demonstrated that these investments carry far more weight in the eyes of the inhabitants of the development areas than the bigger projects,” he said.

The Rencombe Bridge will span some 170 feet and is designed to accommodate vehicles of up to 30 tonnes.

Minister with responsibility for Sports, and Member of Parliament for North Central St. Catherine, Hon. Natalie Neita Headley, who witnessed the contract signing, said the new bridge will bring relief to residents.

She noted that students will have an easier time getting to school.

Surrey Paving and Aggregate is the sub-contract for the project.

Under MIDP, the Government has instituted a multi-million bridge building programme for several communities, and Minister Davies has informed that these projects are being completed within time and budget.