Transport and Works Minister, Robert Pickersgill (third left) signs a $158.2 million contract that will facilitate repairs to some 4,084 kilometres of roadway across the island, except Kingston. Seated from left are: Ivan Anderson, CEO of the National Works Agency; Dr. Fenton Ferguson, State Minister in the Transport and Works Ministry and Dr. Alwyn Hayes, Permanent Secretary in the Transport and Works Ministry. - Contributed TRANSPORT AND Works Minister, Robert Pickersgill yesterday signed a $158.2 million contract that will facilitate the repair of some 4,084 kilometres of roadway across the island.
The scope of work which falls under phases five and six of the National Works Agency's (NWA) Routine Maintenance Programme will facilitate the rehabilitation of just over 500 road sections in 13 parishes, excluding Kingston. The 13 parishes have been grouped into 31 packages.
Mr Pickersgill in speaking at the contract signing ceremony held at the offices of his ministry, warned contractors that quality work must be delivered to ensure value for money, failing which their services will be terminated. He explained that the rehabilitation exercise will include bushing of the sides of the roads, cleaning of culverts, catch basins and drains, removal of debris including landslips and the patching of potholes.
Under phase five of the repair programme, rehabilitation work will be carried out on the Bull Bay to Grants Pen main road and the Trinityville to Cedar Gap main roads in St. Thomas. The Port Antonio to Nonsuch and Fair Prospect to Folly main roads in Portland also, the Spur Tree to Mandeville and Alligator Pond to Guts River main roads in Manchester.
Phase six of the programme will see repairs being done to the Rock Hall to Coopers Hill, Guava Ridge to Silver Hill Gap and the Woodford to Norbrook main roads in St. Andrew. The May Pen to Sour Sop Turn and James Hill to Sandy River main roads in Clarendon, also the Black River to Pedro Cross main roads in St. Elizabeth are to be repaired.
The rehabilitation exercise is expected to start next week Monday and will be carried out over the next four months.
