Grange Lane and Freetown Roads to be Repaired

Repair work is to commence in January on the Grange Lane and Freetown to Alley main roads in St. Catherine and Clarendon, respectively.
The contracts for the projects were signed in Kingston today (December 14), by Minister of Transport and Works, Robert Pickersgill.
Mr. Pickersgill warned that contractors who were unable to complete road works in the assigned time and within budget, might soon find themselves out of a contract.
“Let me again use this opportunity to warn contractors that we have intensified our vigilance on the execution of works on our behalf. It’s not business as usual and the bar of standards has been raised. In other words, those who are less professional in working for us will no longer have the pleasure of a contractual agreement. Simply put, it’s a heightened demand for value for money,” the Minister emphasized.
He urged the contractors not to tolerate extortionists and not to enter into any private arrangements with them. “Let us know immediately if anyone approaches you,” he said.
In 2002, work on the Freetown to Alley main road was stalled after the contractor’s services were terminated for non-performance. Work was also suspended in 2001 on Grange Lane because of financial constraints.
Mr. Pickersgill stressed that the Ministry and the National Works Agency (NWA) were committed to completing any project it had started. “While some may take a little longer time than others, we are unwavering in our quest to provide the motoring public with safe, reliable and quality roads,” he said.
Under the Freetown to Alley contract, valued at approximately $24.1 million, the Minister said the drainage system would be improved to include curb and channel and the replacement of broken culverts. In some areas, he said the base of the road would be strengthened with stabilized graded material, while the wearing or driving surface would be asphalted.
At Grange Lane, the project will cost about $59 million. This project will include a new drainage system, inclusive of curb and channel, cross drains and v-shaped drains and the installation of culverts.
In addition to these road works, Mr. Pickersgill said the Bog Walk Gorge in St. Catherine would be repaired in time for Christmas.
Dr. Fenton Ferguson, Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport and Works, said Grange Lane was a critical link road as a major housing development was currently being undertaken on Grange Lane.
The Members of Parliament for the areas, Fitz Jackson representing Grange Lane and Ruddy Spencer of South East Clarendon, expressed appreciation for the work to be done on the roads.