This morning, I met with Christopher Persaud, Transport Specialist, and Karisa Ribeiro, Chief of Operations at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), to discuss opportunities for collaboration and partnership in Jamaica’s roads and infrastructure development.
We discussed programmes currently being implemented across Jamaica, including the SPARK Programme and the Accelerated Bridge Programme, as well as the role of the upcoming One Road Authority, which will serve as a single, central body for the country’s roads.
Partnerships like these are important as we work to strengthen Jamaica’s road infrastructure.
#NestaWorks
Works Minister Robert Morgan has announced that ongoing restoration work on the Over River community bridge in St James, which was destroyed during the passage of Hurricane Melissa last October, should be completed by mid-October.
Read more: https://t.co/QVtBmEkQEy #GLNRToday
Works Minister announces hydrological study for Montego Bay under the Montego Bay Perimeter Road project, aimed at identifying long-term solutions to flooding across the wider St. James region.
Earlier this week, I toured major infrastructure developments in St. James, marking the start of a nationwide series of project inspections under the SPARK Programme.
During the tour, I emphasized that strict quality control must continue long after the heavy machinery leaves. Infrastructure must not only be monitored during construction but rigorously inspected after paving is completed to ensure it meets the highest standards of durability and quality for road users.
Over the coming weeks, I will continue touring projects across the island to ensure accountability, transparency and top-tier workmanship on all national infrastructure projects.
#NestaWorks #SPARKJA #InfrastructureDevelopment
The Over River Bridge in East Central St. James was severely damaged during Hurricane Melissa and displaced further downstream.
We have since recovered and dismantled the bridge, and work is now underway to remount it on new abutments. The new abutments are one metre higher than the previous , while the bridge has also been lengthened to accommodate the wider gap caused by erosion.
In the meantime, a makeshift crossing is in place, providing relief for residents who depend on this connection to get to work, school and go about their daily lives.
#NestaWorks #InfrastructureDevelopment #OverRiverBridge
Portmore is moving!
The $2.4 billion Braeton Parkway to Hellshire Main Road expansion is underway, bringing major improvements to the road network along with sewerage, waterline and telecommunications infrastructure.
Portmore is just one part of a much larger capital works programme happening across Jamaica.
From East Kings House Road, Lady Musgrave and South Camp Road, to the Montego Bay Perimeter Road, South Coast Highway Improvement Project and Port Antonio Bypass, major projects are transforming our road network.
More is to come, including the Lucea Bypass, Spur Tree Bypass and Mammee Bay Bypass.
Work is happening. Things are improving. The good work continues.
#NestaWorks
Across Jamaica, our road infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities connected and supporting development.
In St. James, that work spans from SPARK roads in communities across the parish to major projects like the Montego Bay Perimeter Road.
The restoration of the Over River Bridge is also an important part of maintaining the connections that residents and communities depend on every day.
Good works. Stronger by design.
#NestaWorks
#GoodWorks
#StrongerByDesign
#SPARK
A few months ago, this bridge was washed away by Hurricane Melissa. Now, we can walk across it again.
The Over River Bridge is an important link for the community, and work is well underway to restore it. Specialized equipment was used to recover the bridge from the river and reposition it, while a pathway has been created to allow students to cross as they return to school.
There is still work to be done, including completing the remaining abutment works and restoring vehicular access. The pouring of Abutment 2 has also been completed as we continue to move towards full restoration.
This is what recovery looks like. From design, to implementation, to quality control.
#NestaWorks
Work has been paused on the Montego Bay Perimeter Road as the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), reviews its safety procedures following last Thursday’s on-the-job death of engineer Clifton James who was part of the work crew.
https://t.co/NLTGYaHvtz
Work is continuing on the Over River Bridge in St James East Central, with design changes being made to improve the structure’s resilience following damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. https://t.co/iDPVFz0jpr
On Wednesday, we took the road tour to Western Jamaica to see the work underway across a number of SPARK roads.
We visited Jarrett Terrace, Church Lane Boulevard, Codac Street, Legs Lane, Barnett Oval, Unity Heights as well as the Montego Bay Perimeter Road and Over River Bridge.
I was joined by Marlene Malahoo Forte, Member of Parliament for St. James West Central, Heroy Clarke, Member of Parliament for St. James Central, and the technical team from the National Works Agency.
We walked the roads, looked at the work underway and got a closer look at what is happening across these communities.
#NestaWorks
#GoodWorks
#StrongerByDesign
#SPARK
Good morning from #ABettaPlace!
This morning’s views come from Over River, St. James.
The reconstruction of the Over River Bridge is well underway, bringing us closer to restoring this important link for the communities it serves.
#CountryMP
Portmore, we hear you and BIG THINGS ARE COMING 🚜 🚧
Residents of Old Braeton Road, look out…
Major Road Rehabilitation and Repair Works are coming. We’re getting ready to get to work.
#NestaWorks#SPARKJA#CAPEX
#Update We have several Spark projects ongoing in Western Jamaica and I will be doing the first in a series of visits today, to assess the work being done as we continue to build better roads for you and your communities. #SparkJa#NestaWorks#MEGID#MontegoBay#StJames@MalahooForteMP
Today, we marked an important step in Jamaica’s reconstruction and resilience efforts with the formal launch of the Jamaica Reconstruction and Resilience Oversight Committee (JAMRROC).
Chaired by Professor Peter Blair Henry, one of Jamaica’s accomplished sons who has made a significant impact internationally, including advising former U.S. President Barack Obama and the U.S. Department of Justice, the Committee brings valuable expertise to this important work.
JAMRROC will strengthen accountability, monitor reconstruction resources and provide the Government and the public with valuable information and guidance as we restore what has been lost, strengthen our communities and build a more resilient Jamaica for the future.
This morning, the Jamaica Reconstruction and Resilience Oversight Committee (JAMRROC) was officially launched, bringing greater focus to resilience, transparency and accountability as Jamaica continues its national reconstruction effort.
JAMRROC will provide independent oversight of NaRRA, helping to monitor the progress and performance of reconstruction projects and keep the public informed.
Rebuilding Jamaica requires more than speed. It requires accountability at every step.
#NestaWorks