KINGSTON, Jamaica–Work is scheduled to begin on more roads in the Corporate Area this week, under Work Order 1 of the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) programme.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Robert Morgan, gave an update on the programme to the House of Representatives this afternoon.

“We have Everest Drive which started already. Then we’re going to have Bellevue Avenue in Kingston East and Port Royal. In Kingston Western, we’re starting Bustamante Highway, (and) North Street from King Street to Crab Ground. In St Andrew East Rural we’re starting Passion Gardens and Bayview Retreat. In St Andrew Eastern, we’re doing Buttercup Drive, (and) Dougherty Drive. In St Andrew North-Eastern, (we’re doing) Liguanea Avenue and Richings Avenue; St Andrew North-Central, Upper Aries and Orange Grove Road”, he stated.

He noted that Work Order 1 will be carried out at a cost of J$1.911 billion and will span 21 constituencies across eight parishes, with a number of rehabilitation projects starting in several constituencies including the Corporate Area.

Minister Morgan said other roads to receive attention under Work Order 1 are located in South-Eastern, Eastern, East-Central and South Central St Catherine; North-West and Central Manchester; South-West, South East and North-East St Elizabeth; Eastern and Western Portland; Central St Mary; as well as Northern and Southern Trelawny, adding that “we are actively assessing other additional roads to commence in the coming weeks”.

Work Order 2, he noted will cover 42 additional roads across 21 constituencies and is expected to commence in late February, while Work Order 3 which comprises another 42 roads across 21 additional constituencies, is scheduled to begin in early March.

The minister stated that in this financial year, work will begin on about 126 critical roadways across Jamaica.

“At the end, all constituencies will get an initial two SPARK roads before the end of the financial year. We expect that by April we will start seeing the completion of our first set of SPARK roads with this tranche and we expect that these three work orders will be completed by June of this year”, he stated.

Minister Morgan stated that to ensure accountability and efficiency, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation will strictly oversee project timelines, contractor performance and quality standards.

He encouraged Members of Parliament and local stakeholders to remain engaged in the monitoring process to ensure that all communities benefit fully from this initiative.

“This is the next chapter of Jamaica’s development. With the SPARK programme, we are not just fixing roads. We are building pathways of opportunity. This initiative is an investment in the future of our citizens and a demonstration of the Government’s unwavering commitment to national development”, he ended.