KINGSTON, Jamaica— The National Works Agency (NWA) says it has commenced works valued at $400 million to install streetlights along the Harbour View, St Andrew to Yallahs, St Thomas stretch of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Programme (SCHIP).

The agency stated in a release on Wednesday that the multimillion-dollar work along the 17-kilometre stretch of highway will include the installation of approximately 400 light poles.

The project is being executed in partnership with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCO), the release said.

Manager, Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, Stephen Shaw says that the erection of the poles form part of the final works being undertaken. It is expected that the installation of the poles will be completed by Christmas 2023.

In the meantime, Shaw says that progress is also being made with the installation of traffic signals along the corridor.

“Eleven such systems are to be installed. The first bank of lights was erected recently at the junction to the Grant’s Pen community in St Thomas,” Shaw added.

“Other final works now being undertaken as part of the overall works are the installation of safety features, including road markings and signs, as well as corrective works to minor defects in some areas,” the NWA said.

The Harbour View to Yallahs leg of the SCHIP is being done at a cost of over US$114 million. The road is being built as a four-lane highway with several sections being realigned for safety and efficiency purposes.