The process of the implementation of the Government’s multi-billion-dollar road rehabilitation project has moved closer. Five companies have been shortlisted to bid on the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) project.
Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with responsibility for Works, Robert Morgan made that announcement today (June 12). He explained that the National Works Agency (NWA), which is the Government’s lead entity under the project recently completed the pre-qualification stage of the International Competitive Bidding process.
He says eight companies, including two construction entities from Jamaica responded to the bid. The five companies that have been pre-qualified are:
- Sinohydro Corporation Limited, China
- Municipal Enterprises Limited, Canada
- Lagan Aviation and Infrastructure Limited, UK
- China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, China
- VINCI Construction Grands Projects, France
The Government intends to implement the works island-wide through four packages. The packages will include both main and community roads.
Minister Morgan says that the Government is now turning its attention to requesting bids from the pre-qualified contractors. These proposals are to be returned by the middle of August.
Following the submission of these proposals, a contract for the works to the successful firm should be approved by the Cabinet by the end of September.
Minister Morgan says that though it is expected that an international company will be the successful bidder, a local company will be involved in the execution of the plans for the works. The successful bidder, as per the arrangement under the project, must include a local company in the implementation.
In the meantime, the NWA has continued to collaborate with other government departments and agencies in staging consultative meetings across the country.
The meetings are being led by the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). To date, meetings have been held in 21 constituencies.
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