$248.4M Lighting Project for Montego Bay’s ‘Elegant Corridor’

Street lights are to be installed along Montego Bay’s ‘Elegant Corridor’, at a cost of $248.4 million.

A contract to provide lighting for the area, situated along the north coast highway, between the Sangster International Airport, and Iberostar Hotel at Rose Hall, was signed by officials and representatives of the Ministries of Tourism and Entertainment, and Transport, Works, and Housing, and contractor, Y.P. Seaton and Associates, during a ceremony at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, on July 18.

The eight-month project, being financed by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), entails the installation of energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) lamps.

Addressing the ceremony, Tourism and Entertainment Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, underscored the undertaking’s importance, arguing that, “this strip is, probably, one of the most significant economic zones that we have in Jamaica, in terms of the infrastructure that is here”, adding that in installing the lights, “we are enhancing the area.”

The Tourism Minister also said the project represents a “great example” of inter-Ministerial and agency collaboration, and private sector partnership.

In his remarks, Transport, Works, and Housing Minister, Dr. the Hon. Omar Davies, noted the project’s timeliness, against the background of safety concerns arising due to the absence of lights along the corridor.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Executive officer of the National Works Agency (NWA), which will oversee the project, Earl Patterson, said work is expected to begin shortly.