Approximately 6.5 billion dollars worth of work is now underway through the multi-billion dollar Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP), which is being implemented by the National Works Agency. The programme which is valued at over 35 billion dollars is targeting roads, bridges, river training, retaining walls and traffic management issues, over a five year period.
Chief Executive Officer of the NWA, Patrick Wong says the 6.5 billion dollars is related to work commitments up to the end of March this year. Over 150 road sections have been targeted for major rehabilitative works, while nearly 30 retaining wall projects have been undertaken. The rehabilitative works include 71 parochial roads.
Mr. Wong says river training works have also been done and that through the JDIP 11 bridges are getting attention. Among the areas where bridges are being built are Queensborough in St. Andrew; St. Margarets Bay in Portland, where a new structure is being built to replace the failed Rio Grande Bridge and Eleven Miles in St. Thomas, where two Fords are being replaced. Three bridges are also being built at Johns Hall, St. James to facilitate the construction of a new alignment along the Fairfield to Point main road.
The NWA CEO says major accomplishments of the JDIP to date include work to reopen the Border to Cuffy Gully Road in St. Mary, which is the suggested alternative to the Junction Road. The road to Ginger House and Kent in the Rio Grande Valley, Portland has also been re-opened. Both roads were rendered impassable for over a year, due to massive earth movements associated with heavy rains.
Additionally, Mr. Wong says that over 250 corridors across the island benefitted through the periodic maintenance aspect of the programme. The road sections were sheet patched.
