THE National Works Agency (NWA) says it is open to worthwhile suggestions about how the heavily debated Palisadoes project can be adjusted, whether to limit any environmental impact or otherwise to strengthen the long-term benefits to Jamaicans.

“If somebody comes up with an idea or suggestion that makes sense, we will evaluate it and incorporate it. The bottom line is that we are not closed to suggestions being made,” said Patrick Wong, the agency’s chief executive officer.

He was, however, quick to add that the NWA were the ones with the team of experienced engineers able to determine what suggestions are of value.

“We are the engineers so we do the analysis… (And) if things (suggestions) are going to be made based on emotions then we can’t overcome the technical studies that have been done since 2005,” Wong said.

The NWA boss was addressing a team of Observer reporters and editors at the weekly Monday Exchange on October 11.

“This project has been thoroughly reviewed — (it was) analysed by the Cubans, by the Canadians (and) by our local people. So it is not a project that just popped up; it is a project that has been planned for five years,” Wong added.

Meanwhile, he said that the island could not do without the project, which is to be conducted along the flood-prone Palisadoes strip, which has been badly affected by tropical storms and hurricanes over the years.

“The nation can no longer afford to play Russian roulette and hope we don’t get no breach. There is too much involved. We cannot afford to lose the Norman Manley International Airport. We cannot afford to lose Newport West. We cannot afford to lose Newport East,” Wong said.

“We cannot afford to lose Manley Meadows. We cannot afford to lose downtown where Digicel is now building their regional headquarters. We cannot afford to lose… Flour Mills, the Cement Company… That is what that peninsula protects; that’s why we have a natural harbour,” he added.

His statements come in the wake of a public meeting held to discuss the controversial US$65-million project on October 5 at the St Boniface Anglican Church in Harbour View. The meeting attracted the participation of environmental lobbyists, community residents, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), and the NWA.

The agency has, in the interim, sought to reassure the public about the project, which environmental lobbyists maintain could have damaging effects on the ecosystem of the Palisadoes, which is a protected area.

“We are paying special attention to the environment. That is why we have hired a consultant to deal with the environment 24/7. We have an environmental engineer on site who is monitoring the proceedings. Plus, they liaise directly with a representative from NEPA…” noted the NWA’s major projects manager, George Knight.

“We are executing a project so while the contractor is implementing and carrying out his operation, it is not far-fetched that something might happen or that we may move outside of what is (prescribed). That is the reason why we have NEPA on site to bring it straight back online to ensure full compliance,” he added.

The multi-billion dollar project is to see a section of the Palisadoes road raised and the construction of a two-lane highway — complete with two soft shoulders — as well as the construction of a boardwalk. The project is being funded primarily through the Chinese, with the work to be undertaken by China Harbour Engineering Company.