Jamaica Govt to execute program for 5,000 km of roads

Jamaica: Government of Jamaica to execute maintenance program for 5,000 km of roads under the Central Government’s control.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth Jamaica and Job Creation, Everald Warmington, says the Government is moving to implement a proper maintenance program for 5,000 km of roads under the Central Government’s control.

Addressing in the House of Representatives, Warmington announced maintenance work would be viewed as either preventative maintenance or corrective maintenance, including performance standards, routine maintenance, periodic maintenance, rehabilitation, and emergency repairs.

“For performance standards, the most effective team size, equipment, methods, and procedures for performing the work will be defined for each significant maintenance work item to be utilized,” he added.

Furthermore, he stated that “Routine Maintenance (which is preventative maintenance) is the day-to-day maintenance of our highways and will be carried out throughout the year, for example, bushing, cleaning, side drains, and small repairs to pavement surfaces.” 

Warmington said periodic maintenance (also preventative maintenance) will be carried out, usually at intervals of several years, and will include resurfacing the pavement (re-graveling, resealing, or overlaying).

Additionally, he stated, “It is important to note that we are dealing with ancient infrastructure, and over the years, inadequate funding to satisfy the needs of not only our main roads but also some of our secondary roads.” 

He remarked that rehabilitative maintenance would be carried out when a particular road element has reached a stage where, despite routine maintenance, it does not fulfill the function for which it was initially intended.

The United States (US) has reinforced its commitment to education and development in Jamaica by donating 300 tablets and ten laptops to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information for distribution to students in need through the One Laptop or Tablet per Child Initiative.

Earlier, PM Holness gets received a courtesy call from Ambassador-Designate of Jamaica to the United Mexican States, ambassador Sharon Saunders. 

As Jamaica continues to leverage its brand and geographic location for international investment in our energy, mining, and construction sectors, your Government looks forward to strengthening the relationship and partnering with our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere.

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