Post Cabinet Report- February 5, 2025
STATEMENT TO PARLIAMENT ON THE ACCELERATED BRIDGE PROGRAMME
By the Minister without Portfolio with Responsibility for Works
February 4, 2025
Mr. Speaker,
I rise today to provide this Honourable House with an update on a transformative initiative that will significantly improve Jamaica’s infrastructure—the Accelerated Bridge Programme. This programme is a strategic national effort to enhance connectivity, improve public safety, and facilitate economic growth by constructing and rehabilitating key bridges across the island.
Mr. Speaker,
The initiative was further strengthened on January 23, 2025, with the signing of a Framework of Cooperation (FOC) among the Government of Jamaica, Acrow Global Limited, and Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure Limited. This agreement establishes a collaborative and structured framework for the implementation of the Accelerated Bridge Programme, promoting efficiency, transparency, and compliance with international standards.
Overview of the Programme
Under this framework, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, the Ministry of Finance, the National Works Agency (NWA), ACROW Global Limited, and Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure Ltd. have aligned efforts to ensure the seamless execution of this project. The programme entails the installation and upgrading of 54 bridges, comprising:
- 44 Permanent Vehicular Bridges
- 3 Permanent Pedestrian Bridges
- 7 emergency-use bridges
These bridges will provide critical infrastructure for national development, ensuring safe and reliable transportation networks across multiple parishes.
Strategic Partnerships & Funding
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Jamaica has recognized this as a priority project within the Government-to-Government Framework of Cooperation with UK Export Finance (UKEF). This collaboration allows access to financing mechanisms that will accelerate implementation and ensure cost-effective execution.
Under the FOC, the roles of key stakeholders are clearly defined:
- Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation – Buyer and primary project overseer
- Ministry of Finance and the Public Service – Borrower responsible for securing funding
- National Works Agency (NWA) – Implementing agency ensuring technical and structural integrity
- Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure Ltd. – Principal contractor responsible for execution
- ACROW Global Ltd. – Specialist bridge supplier ensuring high-quality structures
Implementation Roadmap
The FOC establishes a roadmap to transition the project from the conceptual phase to detailed design and execution while ensuring compliance with procurement regulations, environmental safeguards, and social impact assessments. The Government and its partners are committed to expediting project timelines to meet national development targets.
Key aspects of the agreement include:
✔ A commitment to work collaboratively and transparently to advance the programme
✔ Ensuring compliance with local and international procurement standards
✔ Securing financing through UK Export Finance to support implementation
✔ Adhering to environmental and social obligations in line with sustainable development goals
Bridges for Economic Growth & Public Safety
Mr. Speaker, this initiative is about more than just infrastructure—it is about people. The bridges under this programme will enhance connectivity in rural and urban communities, reduce travel times, boost economic activity, and provide safer crossings for residents.
Some of the key bridges being constructed include:
-Shooting River Bridge (St. Thomas) – 81m Delta bridge
-Pedro River Bridge (Clarendon) – 27m Compact 200 bridge
-Black River Bridge (St. Elizabeth) – 45m Delta bridge
–Rio Cobre Dam Pedestrian Bridge (St. Catherine) – 101m Compact 200 bridge
With an additional 7 emergency-use bridges to be strategically deployed where needed
A Vision for the Future
Mr. Speaker, as part of the NEXT Chapter of national development, the Accelerated Bridge Programme represents our unwavering commitment to building a modern, resilient, and efficient transport network. We are not just constructing bridges but building connections, empowering communities, and strengthening Jamaica’s foundation for future growth.
We are poised for success with the strong partnerships established under this Framework of Cooperation. This initiative is a testament to our Government’s ability to mobilize resources, leverage strategic partnerships, and execute transformative projects that benefit all Jamaicans.
Mr. Speaker, we are building bridges to a stronger, more connected Jamaica—one step at a time.
I thank you.
Work Order #1 – Active Roadworks
The first phase of the SPARK Programme, Work Order #1, consists of 42 road projects spanning 21 constituencies across eight parishes. I am pleased to report that China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has received the project scope and has commenced preliminary site visits. Work is scheduled to begin this week in the Corporate Area, with rehabilitation projects starting in the following constituencies:
Roads Identified in Work Order #1
The total investment in Work Order #1 is approximately J$1.911 billion, and CHEC is actively assessing additional roads to commence work in the coming weeks.
Future Work Orders
The SPARK Programme follows a structured, phased approach to ensure efficient execution and transparency.
- Work Order #1: Covers 42 roads across 21 constituencies—work has commenced.
- Work Order #2: Will cover 42 additional roads across 21 constituencies, with commencement expected by late February.
- Work Order #3: Another 42 roads across 21 constituencies, scheduled to begin in March.
These projects will transform 126 critical roadways across Jamaica, improving connectivity, easing congestion, and strengthening community resilience.
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
To ensure accountability and efficiency, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation will strictly oversee project timelines, contractor performance, and quality standards. Additionally, we encourage Members of Parliament and local stakeholders to remain engaged in the monitoring process, ensuring that all communities benefit fully from this national initiative.
Closing Remarks
Madame Speaker, this is the NEXT Chapter of Jamaica’s development. With the SPARK Programme, we are not just fixing roads—we are building pathways to opportunity. This initiative is an investment in the future of our citizens and a demonstration of the government’s unwavering commitment to national development.
I thank you.