NWA Commences Reconstruction of Ferris to Mackfield Road in Westmoreland

The National Works Agency (NWA) has commenced reconstruction of the Ferris to Mackfield roadway in Westmoreland at a cost of US$24.9 million.

The 14-kilometre stretch of roadway will be widened, and there will be improvement in the drains and pedestrian walkways.

Addressing residents during a stakeholder meeting on Thursday, April 26, Manager, Communication and Customer Service at the NWA, Stephen Shaw, said the project should significantly improve the north-south linkage.

“This road carries some 5,000 vehicles per day in the two lanes, so based on our analysis, it needed to be improved. It is one of the major north-south roads linking Savanna-la-Mar and Black River… to Montego Bay,” he noted.

Mr. Shaw pointed out that for the project to be completed, embankments will have to be removed, certain areas will have to be filled and land acquisition will be necessary.

He said that the NWA has been working with the National Land Agency (NLA) to ensure that the process is undertaken in the right way.

Mr. Shaw said although the NWA is a little behind with the processes involved in the land acquisition, notices will be served to all residents informing them of the works to be undertaken.

“The Government is duty-bound to serve notice on everyone who happens to live, do business or own property that is next to the road,” he explained.

This, he said, is a ‘notice at large’, which will serve to inform everyone in close proximity to the project that work will be done and that the Government may need to acquire property.

“Everyone who is impacted in that way will be compensated,” Mr. Shaw said.

Where a piece of land is unregistered and an individual cannot prove ownership, Mr. Shaw said that person might not be able to receive compensation for the land, but can still be paid if a house that is located on the property is impacted.

He pointed out that all the necessary notices will be served within the next 30 days.

The road reconstruction project is being executed under the Major Infrastructure Development Programme (MIDP), and is being undertaken by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC).