Greater Infrastructure Development Programme to Follow MIDP
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that the Government will pursue a third Infrastructure Development Programme as a potential successor to the soon concluded Major Infrastructure Development Programme (MIDP).
Speaking on Tuesday (March 19) during his contribution to the 2019/2020 Budget Debate in Parliament, Prime Minister Holness said the final scope of the proposed new programme will follow the framework established under the MIDP.
“The projects selected for this second phase of major infrastructure development are based on technical recommendations, our economic development plan, and climate-smart considerations such as our Master Drainage Plan”, explained Prime Minister Holness.
Some of the projects being considered and planned include but are not limited to:
- A proposal for a Ring Road around the KMA,
- The extension of the Mandela Highway Improvement Works, from the East-West Toll Road Ramp to the Old Harbour Roundabout.
- Improvements to the Half-Way-Tree area,
- and the construction of several Bypasses to both improve travel time and create a potential for expansion of several townships, to include:
- Lucea bypass in Hanover
- Hopewell bypass in Hanover
- Annotto Bay bypass in St. Mary
- Long Hill/Anchovy Bypass in St. James
- Port Maria bypass in St. Mary
- Drainage Projects to include, Marcus Garvey Drive and Maxfield Avenue in the Corporate Area, May Pen, Santa Cruz, Port Maria and Montego Bay various other storm-water drainage projects across the island.
Prime Minister Holness announced that “this new infrastructure development programme will significantly improve aspects of Jamaica’s transportation network”.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Holness told the Parliament that the Government has a comprehensive plan to improve bridges islandwide.
“The Government is spending almost $500 million on major bridges that are either being erected or constructed in 12 areas. Overall, MIDP is 90.9% complete based on financial spend. Approximately, US$320.7M of the US$352.941M programme budget has been certified. Component 1 is 80% complete. Component 2 is 99% complete. Component 3 is 93% complete. NWC Ancillary Works (which includes the installation of water pipelines and sewerage) are 81% complete. Contractually, the Hagley Park, Constant Spring and Ferris Cross to Mackfield Road Improvement Projects are to be substantially completed by end June 2019”, stated the Prime Minister.