Rehabilitated Bog Walk to Lime Walk Roadway Officially Opens

The roadway from Bog Walk to Lime Walk in St. Catherine, which was recently rehabilitated at a cost of $35.5 million, was officially opened on February 8 and handed over to residents.

The project was undertaken by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) under its Community Investment Project, which is funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). It comprised the construction of 2.6 kilometres of roadway with associated drainage, and bushing works.

Operations and Systems Manager at JSIF, Lois Malcolm, speaking at the ceremony held in the Lime Walk community, said the rehabilitated roadway would greatly improve access to schools and healthcare.

“You would have noticed that transportation (problems) have eased and I have heard mention of children (finding it easier to) attend school. One of the things that a rehabilitated road will do is connect you to your communities and also connect you to services,” Miss Malcolm said.

She lauded the community input and support, noting that residents “played a role at various stages and you were crucial in the design stage of the project."

Miss Malcolm said that as with other JSIF community investments, the project will involve a strong community training component, informing that a core of resident volunteers has already been formed, and a maintenance and disaster management programme will get underway shortly.

Minister with responsibility for Sports and Member of Parliament for St. Catherine East Central, Natalie Neita Headley, expressed appreciation to JSIF for the work done.

She further encouraged the residents of communities benefitting from the improved road conditions to take good care of the infrastructure.

“If we see a little part of the drain (that) wants to be cleaned don’t wait until the government come to clean the drain. If you have a shovel, take your shovel and just clean out the drain,” Mrs. Neita Headley urged.

The Bog Walk to Lime Walk Road has been battered by consecutive hurricanes and floods, including Hurricane Dean in 2007. The poor condition of the roadway had dampened many social and economic activities in the area. The improved conditions are expected to improve access to critical services, including health care.

The Social Development Commission (SDC) reports that 66 per cent of the residents rely on health centres and clinics outside of the area, with up to 38 per cent relying on regular hospital care, also outside of the community.

By Latonya Linton, JIS Reporter