THE Government has announced that it will implement a multi-billion, Jamaican-dollar Special Capital Expenditure Programme during the new fiscal year that will see the development of major corridors in the Corporate Area.

This was disclosed by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen as he delivered the throne speech to mark the official opening of Parliament for the new legislative year, on Tuesday.

“In building our stronger Jamaica, transformative infrastructure that provides lasting social and economic value is being given priority,” he said.

The governor general further assured that Jamaicans will soon have seamless mobility all around the island with highway connectivity.

He pointed out that work on the Harbour View to Port Antonio Highway is progressing and, despite the dislocation and inconvenience, “residents are looking forward to the increased investment that will open up our eastern parishes as the new frontier for growth and development”.

He added that the Montego Bay Perimeter Road and the upgrade and expansion of the north coast leg of Highway 2000 will be transformational for that section of the island.

Allen also noted that the May Pen to Williamsfield portion of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project is scheduled to be completed in August 2023.

In the meantime, the State head said the Government will continue to advance a number of flagship projects in the new fiscal year, including the new Parliament building, the Government Campus, the Portmore Resilience Park, and the Kingston Harbour Walk.

— Alecia Smith