KINGSTON, Jamaica — The China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), which is contracted to complete the US$4.4 million Barbican Road improvement project, is cautioning residents and business owners in the area that disruptions in their water and electricity supply may occur in coming weeks.

“With respect to water supply, CHEC has encountered challenges with the water mains, which are old iron pipes laid decades ago, close to the road surface and crisscrossing the original roadway.

“While the improved corridor will facilitate the installation of improved water mains, during the construction, emergency plumbing may be required in the event of damage to the existing pipes,” the engineering company explained in a release today.

CHEC, which said the project is expected to speed up within the coming weeks, advised that it has emergency plumbing services in place and that it is working with the National Water Commission (NWC) to combat any plumbing problems that may arise.

The company also said the construction works will involve the relocation of some 30 light poles, which will result in the suspension of electricity.

“In order to minimise the inconvenience that may result, we will coordinate our activities with the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited in order that disruptions can be scheduled and of short duration,” it added.

According to CHEC, two new lanes will be constructed to accommodate the diversion of traffic.

The alternate lanes will be accessible at all times and the traffic police also will be on hand to regulate traffic flow and assist with the observance of warning signals.

Meanwhile, road users are being encouraged to circumvent the construction zone where possible by utilising Shortwood Road, Jacks Hill Road and Old Church Road.

CHEC said it is making “every effort” to complete the work on time.

The completion of the road project is expected to see major improvements along the stretch between the intersections at Jacks Hill Road and the roadway leading to Russell Heights, as well as East Kings House Road to the Barbican Centre, which will be widened to a four-lane carriageway.

The four-month project, which commenced in August, is being implemented under the Government’s Major Infrastructure Development Programme (MIDP) with funding support from the Government of the People’s Republic of China. CHEC has been contracted by the National Works Agency (NWA) to undertake the project.