Gov’t Undertaking Major Road Improvement Projects

The Government has finalised arrangements with the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of China to access loan funding for road improvement projects in the southeastern and southwestern sections of Jamaica.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said the projects will cost US$384 million. Of the sum, US$57 million will be provided by the Jamaican government.

He was speaking at a press conference at Jamaica House yesterday (June 16).

The works in the southeastern end of the island will cover construction of a four-lane highway from Harbour View to Bull Bay in St. Andrew, with upgrading of the road between Bull Bay and Morant Bay in St. Thomas.

The thoroughfare from Morant Bay to Cedar Valley and from Morant Bay to Port Antonio will also be improved.

Mr. Holness said this development is not being considered as a toll road.

“We believe this is a cost-effective plan as it will reduce the need for massive land acquisition. It would also reduce the negative impact on communities and the environment. (This plan) gives access, gives a better road, reduces cost and still achieves the objectives that we want it to,” he said.

For the southwestern end of the island, the Prime Minister said the Government will be extending Highway 2000 to include a toll road from May Pen, Clarendon to Mandeville, Manchester.

The revenues generated from this leg will partially support the repayment of the loan.

Meanwhile, Mr. Holness informed that the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC) has been directed to develop a road bypass for Montego Bay in order to address congestion in the city.

He said the Government has indicated this intention to the EXIM Bank of China, with a view of securing the bank’s interest in the project.