North-South Highway Provides Opportunity for Investment Projects – PM

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the newly opened North-South leg of Highway 2000, must be seen as an opportunity for investment projects.

Mr. Holness was speaking at the official opening ceremony on Wednesday (March 23), at the Caymanas Toll Booth in St. Catherine.

“We have to develop the value opportunities for investors to come and not just drive on the road, but to build on the road,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the scenic view along the roadway has potential to become a tourist attraction. He said there is also opportunity for leisure and recreation, light manufacturing and agricultural ventures along the highway.

Mr. Holness said the Jamaican Government will be seeking to establish further partnerships with the Government of China; China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC), which is the contractor for the highway project, and its parent company, China Communication Construction Company (CCCC), to “use these opportunities to bring real growth and job creation and prosperity to the people of Jamaica.”

The North-South Highway extends from the Mandela Highway near Caymanas in St. Catherine to Mammee Bay in St. Ann.

The 67-kilometre stretch was constructed at a cost of some US$600 million over three years. It is a four lane controlled-access, tolled motorway with grade-separated interchanges built to modern international standards. It strategically links the northern and southern sections of the island.

Features of the highway include a commercial area and rest stop, an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC), as well as emergency service.