Several Roads In North Central Clarendon To Be Rehabilitated

Several roads in Clarendon North Central are slated to be rehabilitated under the National Works Agency (NWA) Maintenance of Secondary Roads Programme.

Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Everald Warmington, who spoke to JIS News following a tour of the area on Wednesday (February 16), said that the NWA will be conducting an assessment to determine the scope of works, and provide an estimate of the cost.

He said that the improvements will involve collaboration with the National Water Commission (NWC).

The touring party, which was led by Clarendon North Central Member of Parliament (MP), Hon. Robert Morgan, got a first-hand look at some of the roads that are scheduled for repair.

These include May Pen to Soursop Turn, Rock River to Ginger Ridge, Suttons (Ennis Hill), Summerfield to Blackwoods, and Kraal River Road. Work is also slated to be undertaken on the thoroughfare from Morgan’s Pass to Colonel’s Ridge.

Minister Warmington, who has responsibility for Works, said that several road improvements have been undertaken in the area since September 2020, including completion of the first phase of the $120-million Bellas Gate to Bois Content project, noting that the second phase has already been tendered for implementation.

Other projects are currently under way from Danks to Trout Hall at a cost of $47 million; Trout Hall to Chapelton, $57 million; as well as works being undertaken in Kraal, Lime Hall and Blackwoods at a cost of approximately $20 million each.

Meanwhile, Mr. Morgan, who is also Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information, said he is pleased with the commitment for the rehabilitation works, noting that many of the roads visited provide connection to other areas inside and outside of the parish.

He noted, for example, that the Chapelton Road (from Guinep Tree to Soursop Turn) “is a big connector from Southern Clarendon to Northern Clarendon and even to Cave Valley in St. Ann. That road, being fixed, is going to open up a lot of economic opportunities for the northern side of the parish and it is going to also reduce the cost of transportation of goods and people”.

Minister Morgan said that the inclusion of the NWC as part of the process is in line with the integrated development approach being championed by the Government.

“One of the things that we are trying to… [achieve is a] joined-up government, so we are not building roads and then afterwards, dig it up and put the pipes in,” he said.