Works Minister tours JDIP roads in St. James

MONTEGO BAY — Roads in St. James that are being refurbished and constructed under the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP) were toured by Minister of Transport and Works, Hon. Michael Henry, and Minister of State in that Ministry, Hon. Othniel Lawrence, on July 8, 2011.

Some of the roads toured included Granville and Johns Hall, Kings Street through Cornwall Court to Norwood, and Cornwall to Palmyra.

Minister Henry told JIS News during the tour that the visit was necessary as he was in the process of compiling a comprehensive list of all completed roads under JDIP for public scrutiny.

“This is the beginning of regular visits to all JDIP road programmes, because I am about to release to the public, the completed roads. I am visiting with the Minister of State, who will be concentrating very heavily on the programmes that we are implementing in this part of the island under the Ministry.  He will be responsible for ensuring that a number of these roads are implemented on time…” Mr. Henry said.

He pointed out that as these roads are constructed, more drainage problems are discovered, which have to be given attention on a priority basis.

“By facing the issues of drainage, I want to re-emphasise for the public that two weeks ago I signed a new master drainage plan study for some 67 major towns in Jamaica, of which Montego Bay is one.  Therefore, we are looking at this to ensure that the study being done will incorporate a long term resolution beyond where we are,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, the State Minister told JIS News that he would be visiting the projects regularly to ensure that quality work is being carried out.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

“I am really overwhelmed with all the JDIP projects that are taking place here in the parish.  The Minister has commissioned me to be in charge of the Northern and the Western side of the country, and I will be visiting these areas on a regular basis to ensure that what we are giving to the people is excellent work,” he said.

The US$400 million ($36 billion) project, being financed through a loan agreement between Jamaica and the government of China, will see rehabilitation of major and parochial roads as well as the construction and repair of bridges, drains and other attendant features over the next five years. It is being implemented by the National Works Agency (NWA).

By GLENIS ROSE, JIS Reporter