Mark Wignall | SPARK and joined-up government

At the end of 1999, the Highway 2000 construction project was launched by then Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson. Many saw it as just another political project with heavy duty equipment to impress the political non-believers. The administration’s push-back was a campaign to draw correlation between highway buildout and overall economic growth in countries where those roads were built.

Of course, there were going to be those made economic victims. Those would be the small towns which had to face the move to ghost towns as their customers disappeared. At the same time, more of our people saw the link between time and travel, as other small towns became giant urban centres but with cheaper goods. Much of Highway 2000 was defined in a Transport Survey of 1968/1969. The proposed system was also given new meaning in its adoption in the National Physical Plan of 1970-90, with expansions in place.

We know that road construction has always been a problematic political matter in Jamaica, like teen pregnancy in the 1960s and 1970s, violent crime, systemic public sector corruption, and early childhood education. Because both political parties seemed to have signed off on the buildout of roads as part of building the broader society, it has, in time, grown much bigger than a petty JLP/PNP matter with a gigantic price tag. Which probably means that the public buy-in has constantly grown.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness recently announced that work is expected to begin within this quarter under the $45-billion Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme.

“As we prepare to enter the construction phase of the SPARK project, we are committed to carrying out the work with efficiency and professionalism, ensuring minimal disruptions to the daily lives of our citizens. The SPARK project is a vital part of our national development strategy, and I am confident that its successful execution will bring about lasting benefits to our people,” said the PM as he spoke of the government’s flagship infrastructure project.

SPOTLIGHT

As the spotlight shines on this huge undertaking, the PM said,“The SPARK project is not just about upgrading roads; it’s about transforming the lives of people. Better roads mean better travel, reduced transportation costs and improved access to jobs, education and health.”

And, like P.J.’s push to the nation in the post-1999 period as he eagerly sought public buy-in, PM Holness said.

“It means that farmers in rural communities will be able to get their produce to market more efficiently. It means that businesses can thrive because goods and services can move more freely across the island, and, importantly, it means that we are laying the groundwork for a digitally connected Jamaica with the integration of fibre optics in our road infrastructure. We are not just building roads; we are building a better future for Jamaica … . We are sparking prosperity for Jamaica.”

One of the big bugbears in public infrastructure has been the digging up of roads by the National Water Commission and the municipality. One fixes the road, the other digs it up. According to the prime minister, “The SPARK programme represents one of the largest investments in Jamaica’s road and water infrastructure in recent history, and its successful execution is critical to the nation’s growth and development.”

And, if that meant little to you, or you are planning to vote or not, then the fact that the infrastructure upgrades will be fully funded by the government, given Jamaica’s economic improvements, that ought to tell you something about what we have been doing fiscally.

CAN MINISTER MORGAN CARRY THE LOAD?

In work to be done across all 63 constituencies, the government needs public buy-in but cannot if it doesn’t score success in the actual infrastructural build. We know that Jamaica has an ageing road network. The fact that all roads cannot be dealt with all at once will need public consultation to determine greatest need. For umpteen years, Jamaicans have cried out for proper road repairs. Cries in vain.

The SPARK programme aims to improve materials and engineering methods and extensive project reviews, to ensure longer lasting roads. The government has to know that the people will be demanding that these words need to be backed up with certitude, that is. with active work laid out for all to see.

I look forward to seeing sidewalks accessible to persons with disabilities, especially in a nation that tends to view such people as less than others. Robert Morgan has taken up a giant portfolio and he now has no other choice but to carry it full, high, and all the way.

Think of this. Longer-lasting roads, modern infrastructure, less congestion and traffic, ease of travel, improved access to essential services – hospitals, police stations, supermarkets, and climate-ready infrastructure.

The nation will be watching. Many months ago, I wrote about the extremely poor roads in Great House Circle in Havendale. I even suggested that, with Dr Nigel Clarke being the MP, he was best suited to do political horse trading (he was finance minister) with anyone in Works, because sometimes this is what it took to get our infrastructure repaired.

Now Minister Morgan is laying out a promise and he is signing it more than twice that he will be our humble servant. Think of it again. $40-billion islandwide road rehabilitation initiative with scope of work extending beyond roads.

The joined-up government (or agencies) include, specifically, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, and National Works Agency.

All of these agencies have long been aware that the country’s road network is in a state of horrible disrepair and nothing less than a concentrated approach to the problem is what is needed. Not a piece here and a piece there. They know that.

In fact, what I like about the PM laying out this programme is that we have his commitments backed up by the times when he knows that many of those in the electorate are gazing at him watching us.

Mark Wignall is a political and public affairs analyst. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and mawigsr@gmail.com