KINGSTON, Jamaica — Government has approved a contract worth over $800 million to China Guangzhou International Economic Technical Cooperation, Trinidad and Tobago Limited, for construction work at the University of Technology (UTech).

Speaking at the weekly Jamaica House press briefing, Information Minister Sandrea Falconer said that the construction, worth $867,195,159, falls under Utech’s plans for expansion.

“This expansion is a part of UTech’s enhancement project including classroom blocks, lecture theatre, scientific facilities and an amphitheatre,” said Falconer.

“Cabinet was advised that the contractor constructed the technology innovation centre at Utech within budget and on time and projects of this nature require significant capital which is beyond most of our local contractors,” she added in clarifying the choice of contractors.

The company has worked on several other projects in the region, including two, which they are currently working on in Trinidad and Tobago.

Falconer said work at Utech is slated to begin "within a few weeks."

China Guangzhou International is a Chinese state-run enterprise with regional offices in Trinidad and Tobago.