$3b REACH to focus on roads damaged by recent weather events

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in his capacity as minister of works, on Saturday announced the launch of the REACH Road Rehab Programme, a comprehensive national road rehabilitation initiative projected to cost $3 billion.

The programme is designed to address critical road infrastructure needs across the island, with a specific focus on damage caused by recent weather events, including Hurricane Beryl, as well as the execution of routine road maintenance.

Under the REACH Road Rehab Programme, each of the 63 constituencies will see funds allocated to conduct essential road repairs and maintenance, ensuring that all regions of the country benefit equitably.

According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the initiative is part of the government’s commitment to improving national infrastructure and enhancing the safety and convenience of our roadways for all Jamaicans.

Two phases

The programme will be executed in two phases, with phase one running from September to December and phase two running from January to March next year.

“During these periods, contractors will be mobilised to repair the most critically damaged roads and conduct necessary maintenance to prevent further deterioration,” the OPM said.

“The National Works Agency will oversee the implementation, ensuring that the highest standards are met and that the work is completed efficiently and within the allocated timeframe.”

Holness expressed confidence in the REACH Road Rehab Programme’s potential to significantly improve road conditions across Jamaica and called for all stakeholders, including local government representatives and community members, to cooperate fully with the execution teams to ensure the programme’s success.

“The REACH Road Rehab Programme is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that the people of Jamaica have safe and reliable road infrastructure. By investing in our roadways, we are investing in the future of our country,” Holness said.

The REACH Road Rehab programme is scheduled to get under way ahead of the $40-billion Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to Our Road Network (SPARK) Programme, for which contracts are to awarded by September 30.

The SPARK Programme, which is to take place over a two-year period, is a road infrastructure improvement programme aimed at significantly enhancing the country’s road infrastructure, driving growth, development, and prosperity in communities across the island.

The SPARK Programme will also establish a comprehensive and real-time database of Jamaica’s roads using advanced Geographic Information Systems.