St. Mary roads being repaired

A number of roadways in St. Mary are being rehabilitated as government intensifies its road repair programme in that parish.

In an interview with JIS News, Senior Communications Officer at the National Works Agency (NWA), Collin Morrison, said that approximately 7,000 square metres of roadway from Frankfurt to Gayle, Trinity to Bailey’s Vale and Richmond to Kendal, are being repaired using hot mix patching.

He said the work, which is being undertaken by contractors General Paving Company, began on January 24 and is expected to last for three weeks.

Mr. Morrison reported that the construction of a retaining wall on the Border to Cuffy Gully road, which was left impassable to vehicular traffic by Tropical Storm Gustav in 2008, is now 85 per cent completed.  He said that road is now able to accommodate small vehicles. The rehabilitation work, which began in 2009, is being carried out by YP Seaton and Associates, and should be completed by March 2011.

Meanwhile, Mr. Morrison disclosed that a number of areas are also receiving critical attention under the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP). They include roadways between Tavern Hill and Halifax, Free Hill to Geddes Town, Halifax Bridge to Lucky Hill via Goshen, Wellington and Blackstonage.

The scope of work being carried out includes the cleaning of side drains, removal of soft spots and the construction of culverts, while the National Water Commission (NWC) is currently laying water mains for work to begin at the Lyndon Housing Scheme.

He added that this phase of the rehabilitation programme, which began in January, is being undertaken by Dwight’s Construction, with duration of 12 months.

Mr. Morrison also disclosed that remedial work is being carried out along segment three of the Northern Coastal Highway between Oracabessa and Port Antonio.

CONTACT:  LORNA WILLIAMS

                    JIS REGIONAL OFFICE

                    PORT ANTONIO