Jamaica Set for Major Infrastructural Advancements in 2025/2026
The Government has outlined an ambitious infrastructural development agenda for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, aimed at fostering economic growth, enhancing public services, and ensuring climate resilience.
The announcements were made on Friday (February 14, 2025) in the Throne Speech delivered by the Honourable Steadman Fuller, CD, JP, deputizing for the Governor-General. The throne speech signals Jamaica’s next Chapter: Aspiring to Greater which will highlight a transformative phase in Jamaica’s development.
With macroeconomic stability now established, the Government is leveraging economic gains to implement critical projects across key sectors. The upcoming infrastructural developments include significant investments in roadworks, water supply, healthcare, housing, transportation, and energy security, reinforcing Jamaica’s vision for inclusive and sustainable progress.
Major Infrastructural Developments:
- Public Transportation:
- A J$3-billion investment will add 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, including 10 buses for persons with disabilities, supporting clean energy and accessibility.
- Port security will be reinforced with expanded Ports Security Corps recruitment.
- The Portmore Resilience Park, a landmark initiative under the Urban Spaces Programme, is set for completion by 2025/2026 to promote wellness and climate adaptability.
- The New Social Housing Programme has successfully delivered 280 units across 57 constituencies, benefiting 968 individuals. More projects are in the pipeline to expand housing access nationwide.
- Road Infrastructure:
- The Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project is 95% complete, significantly enhancing connectivity.
- The Montego Bay Perimeter Road is on schedule for completion by mid-2026.
- The SPARK Project, a J$45-billion initiative, will upgrade secondary, local, and community roads while enhancing water infrastructure, impacting 126 roads by March 2025.
- Water Security:
- Construction of the Rio Cobre Water Treatment Plant begins in March 2025, ensuring improved water supply to the Kingston Metropolitan Region.
- Thirteen rural water projects have already benefited 13,500 citizens, with an expansion set to reach 45,000 more in 2025/2026.
- Healthcare Infrastructure:
- Completion of the Western Child & Adolescent Hospital, providing 12 specialties, including pediatric cardiology and psychiatry.
- Redevelopment of Spanish Town Hospital (J$5.5 billion) and rehabilitation of Cornwall Regional Hospital.
- Health Centre upgrades include Greater Portmore (J$660M), Old Harbour (J$930M), and St. Jago Park (J$704M).
- Renewable Energy and Science & Technology:
- The UHWI Deep Energy Retrofit Project installed 1,500 solar panels, saving 1.5 million kWh annually.
- A US$4-million investment will install 6,368 rooftop solar panels across hospitals and government buildings, saving 5 million kWh annually.
As the nation continues to strengthen its legislative, economic, and social frameworks, the government says citizens can anticipate a future of enhanced connectivity, improved public services and sustainable development.