CABINET has approved a $280-million contract to Arel Limited to undertake upgrading and extension work of the chilled-water air conditioning system at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.

This was announced by Minister with responsibility for information Senator Sandrea Falconer during last week's Jamaica House press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister.

She said that the work is being undertaken under Phase 1B of the airport's Capital Development Programme.

Chilled-water air conditioning systems are commonly used in applications that need large cooling capacity such as offices and factories. The system makes use of water as its secondary refrigerant. Chillers are used to remove heat from the water, which is then circulated through other components to absorb heat from the space.

The contract was approved by the National Contracts Commission and the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

— JIS