Work Starts on Bridge in Seville Heights

Work has commenced on a bridge in Seville Heights, St. Ann, which had experienced a major breakaway causing disruption in the community.

The work is being undertaken at a cost of $7 million, with funding provided for through the Equalization Fund.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, visited the location on Thursday (January 25), to get an update on the ongoing infrastructure project.

He was joined by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, Deputy Mayor of St Ann’s Bay and Councillor for the St. Ann’s Bay Division, Dallas Dickenson, and other agency representatives and stakeholders.

Mr. McKenzie told journalists that the breakaway had led to substantial dislocation for residents in the area, prompting the intervention of the Ministry.

He also informed of breakaways affecting other areas within the parish.

“We have been responding and while we can’t respond to all at the same time, a significant portion of those breakaways have been attended to or have been completed,” Mr. McKenzie stated.

“It is part of the overall infrastructure work that we are undertaking in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, through the respective municipal corporations,” he added.

While commending the technical team at the St. Ann Municipal Corporation and the Ministry for their efforts, the Minister acknowledged the patience of residents, assuring them that steps were being taken to address the infrastructure challenges.

In the meanwhile, Minister McKenzie hinted at a forthcoming comprehensive infrastructure programme.

He noted that it will be one of the largest single investments in roads, involving both the National Works Agency (NWA) and local government.

“This is a comprehensive approach by the Government, and I want to urge residents in St. Ann and across the country, to be patient. The steps are being taken and we are moving in the right direction,” he stated.

For his part, Mr. Samuda highlighted the impact that the breakaway had on communities, causing dislocation, and affecting productivity. He thanked the residents for their patience and Minister McKenzie for allocating the necessary resources for the project.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dickenson expressed gratitude on behalf of Seville Heights residents, recognizing the overdue nature of the project.

“On behalf of the residents of Seville Heights, many thanks to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and in particularly the technical team of the St. Ann Municipal Corporation for this project,” he pointed out.

Minister McKenzie also conducted a tour of a rehabilitated bridge in Lime Hall within the parish.