KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is taking a strategic approach to road development in order to boost connectivity and facilitate economic growth.

Holness cited the upgrading of Marcus Garvey Drive, Mandela Highway, Barbican Road, and the upcoming improvements to the Hagley Park Road, as among projects being undertaken in this regard. “All of those major infrastructure works are strategically designed to create connectivity around the island, to reduce travel time and wear and tear on vehicles, to connect important productive centres of the country, and to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety on the roads,” the prime minister said.

He was addressing the official opening of the Kupius Bridge in Pennants, Clarendon, on Thursday. The US$5.537 million structure was built by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) under the Major Infrastructure Development Programme (MIDP).

The bridge provides a major link to several farming and commercial communities in Northern Clarendon.

Holness said the investment is in recognition of the economic potential of the area and urged residents to take care of the structure.

MIDA, which is funded by the Government of Jamaica as well as the China EXIM Bank, seeks to continue the improvement of the island’s road network in order to enhance the quality of life of the citizens and to stimulate economic development.

With MIDP set to end in September 2018, the prime minister said the Government will ensure that components to address parochial roads are included in negotiations for a new infrastructure development programme.