PAISLEY, St James — Having provided in excess of $310- million worth of concrete paved roads in more than 40 communities across Jamaica over the past five years, Carib Cement has now set its sights on introducing Unicapa, a solution tailored for rural roads.

The disclosure was made by Carib Cement Managing Director Jorge Martinez during last Thursday’s commissioning of a 900-metre stretch of road paved with concrete. The $7.2-million project, which was done in Paisley, St James, was funded and completed by Carib Cement, a local subsidiary of the global construction materials company Cemex, which has its home base in Mexico.

According to Martinez, Unicapa has already been introduced in some Central American countries. It is touted as being more economical and durable than the concrete Carib Cement has been using on Jamaica’s roads.

“This special pavement solution from Cemex is specifically designed for rural areas and difficult access roads. Launched in countries like Panama, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua, it offers a robust infrastructure system that supports mobility and independence, essential for the sustainable development of communities,” he explained.

Martinez revealed that as part of the 900-metre project, 15 Paisley residents were trained in basic concrete pavement construction as well as health and safety practices.

“This initiative not only enhances our project but also empowers individuals with valuable skills,” said Martinez.

Seventh-day Adventist Pastor Llewelyn Walker, who has first-hand knowledge of challenges motorists face in crossing a section of the road at Bottom Paisley due to flood waters, expressed gratitude for the concrete road improvement project.

“I remember that we had a funeral earlier this year and…we had to get tractors to come in just to get to the area so that we could have the service. But I am so grateful [for] what it is like today. This will go a far way for generations to come,” said Walker.

In the meantime Member of Parliament for St James East Central Edmund Bartlett, in welcoming the concrete road in Paisley, pointed to the durability of other concrete paved roads in his constituency and called for increased use of the material.

“I liked the idea of improved technology and Jorge mentioned that you are now looking at another solution which could be a concrete mix, containing cement, but the ingredients in it would create a better surface and also have stronger and durable, and more sustainable presence in the area,” Bartlett said during the event.

He said he has memories of being impressed, 13 years ago, by concrete road paving done in Fern Gully, St Ann, “which still stands with minimum maintenance”.

According to Bartlett, this played a major role in his decision to have concrete roads provided for Paisley.

“The people have suffered a long time in Paisley and now. As pastor says, we can’t drive after the biggest shower of rain. I want to reiterate the thanks and the deep, deep appreciation of the citizens of Bottom Paisley who can now go home after any shower of rain. They may have to stop for half a minute to watch the water rush by, but it will rush by, that’s the point,” Bartlett added.

Pastor of Paisley Seventh-day Adventist Llewelyn Walker speaking during Thursday’s commissioning of the $7.2-million Paisley concrete road improvement project being done by Carib Cement. Photos: Horace Hines