Gov’t promises repairs to local and community roads this year

The dualised highway from Harbour View to Morant Bay, along with several segments heading to Port Antonio that feature improved water mains, broadband internet, and sewerage in some instances, will be opened, early this year.

Prime minster Andrew Holness gave the assurance in his 2024 New Year’s Message as he announced a $20-billion budget allocation to address the conditions of the county’s roadways.

He said that work is to continue on the Montego Bay perimeter road, which is a multi-year project that will transform road and traffic conditions in St. James and Westmoreland.

Work is also set to begin on Grange Lane in Portmore, St. Catherine, along with a new entrance to Portmore, which will ease traffic conditions on the Mandela Highway.

“We will begin work to widen the bridge on Washington Boulevard, and work is far advanced on improvements to Tom Redcam [Drive] and Lady Musgrave Road, which will improve traffic flows in Kingston,” Holness detailed..

Holness advised that elected representatives will be tasked with holding community consultations to determine the first set of roads to be repaired and rehabilitated from the funding allocation.

“Instead of protests and demonstrations over road conditions, we believe the Jamaican people should be given the forum and listening ear, where their voice and concerns can be heard and you can have a say in the repair of your roads,” he said.