Dear Editor,

The recent establishment of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) presents an important opportunity to strengthen how Jamaica plans, manages, and delivers critical infrastructure projects.

While public attention may focus on the creation of the new authority, the real measure of success will be whether it improves project delivery and produces lasting benefits for citizens. Jamaicans have long experienced the effects of delays in major road and infrastructure works. Extended construction periods often result in traffic congestion, disruptions to businesses, increased project costs, and public frustration.

Strong project management must, therefore, be at the centre of NaRRA’s operations. Effective planning, realistic scheduling, stakeholder coordination, contractor oversight, and performance monitoring are essential to ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Equally important is risk management. Infrastructure projects face numerous risks, including adverse weather, escalating material costs, contractor performance issues, and inadequate coordination among agencies. Particular attention should also be given to geotechnical investigations, as insufficient understanding of ground conditions can lead to weak foundations, drainage failures, redesigns, delays, and increased costs.

Given Jamaica’s vulnerability to hurricanes and intense rainfall events, resilient infrastructure design and proactive risk planning are not optional. They are necessary investments in long-term sustainability and public safety.

Beyond project completion, there must be a focus on benefits realisation. Infrastructure projects should not be judged solely by whether they are built, but by whether they deliver the intended outcomes. Roads should improve mobility, enhance safety, reduce travel times, support economic growth, and remain durable throughout their design life.

NaRRA has the potential to become a transformative institution for national development; however, its success will depend on disciplined project management, effective risk management, sound engineering practices, and a commitment to ensuring that public investments deliver measurable and lasting benefits.

Jamaica needs more than new programmes, it needs infrastructure projects that are properly planned, effectively managed, resilient, and capable of improving the daily lives of its citizens.

Denton Moore

Project and risk management professional

dentonmoore2002@yahoo.com