Roads in Sugar-Dependent Areas to be Upgraded

Government will be undertaking road improvement works in three sugar-dependent parishes across the island at a cost of $202.3 million.

This follows Cabinet’s approval of the allocation under the National Cane Road Rehabilitation Project, which falls under phase two of the Sugar Transformation Programme.

Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, made the disclosure during today’s (July 1) Jamaica House press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister.

She informed that $89.9 million will be sent on rehabilitation of 15.86 kilometres of roadway at Appleton, St. Elizabeth; $58.2 million on 4.8 kilometres in Bernard Lodge, St. Catherine; and $54.2 million on 5.5 kilometres in Moneymusk, Clarendon.

The work, to be completed by October, will include clearance, rehabilitation of existing road pavements, surface treatment and routine maintenance.

The Cane Road Rehabilitation Project is being carried out through funding from the European Union (EU), and involves the parishes of Westmoreland, Trelawny, Clarendon, St. Thomas, St. Elizabeth, Hanover and St. Catherine.

Other aspects of the programme include relocation of 876 residents, who reside at sugar barracks; social and economic reform infrastructure projects for sugar-dependent communities; and the clearing of drains.