Transport Ministry to Partner with TEF on Road Projects

The Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing will be partnering with the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to undertake two infrastructure projects during this financial year.

Making the announcement during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in Gordon House on June 5, State Minister for Transport, Works and Housing, Hon. Richard Azan, said one project will involve the installation of light-emitting diode(LED) street lighting along the elegant corridor in Montego Bay, St. James.

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“The second project involves the Ministry partnering with the TEF on the design and construction of 6.25 kilometres of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure along the Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril, Westmoreland,” he said.

Mr. Azan said this project will complement the 1.5 kilometres of shared used path being funded under the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)/Government of Jamaica Road Improvement Programme,” he said.

Turning to other matters, he said that efforts are being made to improve the working relationship between the National Works Agency (NWA) and the National Water Commission (NWC), citing the signing of an agreement by the two agencies late April.

“The NWA and the NWC restored their close partnership with the signing of a two-year contract, which will see the NWA reinstating roadways excavated to facilitate NWC works. This agreement represents a fundamental shift in the working relationship between these two agencies,” he stated.

Mr. Azan said it is expected that this arrangement will result in increased work productivity and efficiencies going forward, adding that the Ministry plans to identify areas and other public agencies where similar agreements can be fashioned to allow for greater synergies.

Contact: Alecia Smith-Edwards