98 Per Cent of Main Roads in St. Elizabeth North Western Now Rehabilitated

Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport and Member of Parliament (MP) for St. Elizabeth North Western, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, says 98 per cent of the main roads throughout the constituency have been rehabilitated since 2016.

“By June 2025, it will be 100 per cent. This is made possible as a result of prudent fiscal policies by Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, our Minister of Finance and the Public Service, under the guidance of Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness,” he said.

Mr. Hutchinson said the residents are thankful for benefiting greatly from these asphalted roads, pointing out that, “not only has their day-to-day travelling been made easier but the value of their property in these areas will be increased”.

He was making his contribution to the 2024/25 State of the Constituency Debate in the House of Representatives recently.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hutchinson said additional road projects will be executed under the new road infrastructure improvement programme, the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) and the Relief Emergency Assistance and Community Help (REACH) Programmes.

“Most of the Municipal Corporation roads are still in a deplorable condition, and since Hurricane Beryl and constant heavy rains, these roads have gotten worse. Thankfully, the new road infrastructure improvement programme, the SPARK and the REACH programmes, aimed at providing immediate relief to communities affected by Hurricane Beryl, conceptualised by our visionary Prime Minister, will tackle these roads. Never before has Jamaica seen such extensive road programmes being implemented,” he stated

The MP expressed gratitude for the funds provided by the Government, which allowed him to offer immediate assistance to affected constituents following Hurricane Beryl’s passage.

“Never before were Members of Parliament so empowered to offer swift and effective help to our constituents. Once again, we see the results from a strong, robust, and good-performing economy,” he said.

Mr. Hutchinson, however, expressed concern about frequent power outages in the constituency, especially in the New Market and Ginger Hill areas.

“In New Market, residents complain that nearly every day the electricity goes, which poses a huge challenge, especially for the businesspeople. Lewisville High School, the New Market Health Centre, Beersheba Primary School, the police station and other businesses are adversely affected by these frequent outages. It is the general belief among the constituents that the area was only patched up to meet the JPS’s service restoration deadline. I, therefore, urge JPS to do right for the people of St. Elizabeth North Western,” he said.

Regarding education, Mr. Hutchinson advised that educational assistance has been provided to students to offset some of the expenses being borne by parents.

“[A total of] 1,424 students received financial assistance with book vouchers for the purchase of books and school supplies. Five hundred fifty-two high-school and tertiary students received assistance with school fees paid directly to the various institutions… some of them got up to $100,000. This was the largest amount ever allocated to each student,” he said, noting that all the students and their parents expressed their gratitude for the assistance.

Mr. Hutchinson also informed that 14 schools are participating in the constituency’s School Breakfast Programme.

Regarding water, the parliamentarian expressed the hope that issues which resulted in the delay of the New Market Water Supply System will be resolved.

“The New Market Water Supply System has had a number of setbacks, mainly with ownership of the land on which the tanks will be constructed. However, we are hopeful that in short order, these issues will be resolved so the long awaited water system will be a reality for the constituents,” he said.

Mr. Hutchinson also advised that residents are pleased with repairs now being done at the Ginger Hill Health Centre, while pointing out that fencing of the Holland playfield is advanced.

Additionally, he said construction of the New Market and Holland Village community centres “are examples of the Government providing funding to rehabilitate and renovate recreational facilities across the country”.