Minister of Transport and Works, Mike Henry (second right), looks at a drain in Newport West while Jean-Noel Foulard (right), of French construction company Bouygues Travaux Publics, relates plans to improve drainage and roads in the area. Also pictured with the minister during his tour of Newport West and its environs last week are Michael Bernard (third right), president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica; Ivan Anderson (fourth right), of the National Road Operating and Constructing Company, and members of the Newport West business community. - Contributed photo

"We must change our thinking to look at long-term plans in collaboration with those who will be most affected," stated Michael Henry, Minister of Transport and Works, in his meeting and road tour on Tuesday, December 11, with members of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) and other stakeholders of the Newport West business community.

Minister Henry was accompanied by Jean-Noel Foulard of French construction company Bouygues Travaux Publics, and Ivan Anderson of the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC). Both men outlined plans for upcoming roadwork, which will see the expansion of Marcus Garvey Drive into six lanes. The expansion is projected to ease the traffic congestion being experienced by persons travelling into and out of Kingston from the Portmore toll road during peak hours.

The plan also includes the clearing and laying of drains to prevent water from continuing to damage the road surface.

During the construction phase, westbound traffic will be diverted from Marcus Garvey Drive through the streets of Newport West. Michael Bernard, president of the SAJ, and other members of the Newport West business community, expressed their dissatisfaction at the neglect the area has been experiencing throughoutß the years and showed the minister the poor state of the roads in Newport West.

Existing congestion

The business leaders in the Port Bustamante community also outlined the existing congestion in Newport West and expressed the wish that appropriate efforts be made to minimise the dislocation to the business of the port.

Mr. Henry said that his ministry is committed to ensuring that the roads in Newport West would be adequately prepared for the diversion of traffic during the road expansion programme. He also said that his ministry and relevant agencies will be working closely with the Newport West business community throughout the expansion exercise so that all stakeholders can collaborate to make the project a success.

Also participating in the tour were Hon. Noel Hylton, chairman and CEO of the Port Authority of Jamaica; Grantley Stephenson, chairman and CEO of Kingston Wharves Ltd.; Donavan Wignall, president of the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association; Ruel Gibson, of the Port Trailer Haulage Association and representatives of the National Works Agency; the Shipping Association of Jamaica and other shipping community interests.

Bouygues, developers of Highway 2000, has been awarded a US$9 million (J$642 million) contract to expand Marcus Garvey Drive, as well as sections of Spanish Town Road.

The US$9.1 million will be advanced by the National Road Operating and Constructing Company which was set up by Government to oversee the design, financing, construction, maintenance and operation of Highway 2000. It also levies, collects and retains tolls with respect to road usage.