Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Hon. Clifford Warmington, broke ground today (June 15, 2023) for the $119 million rehabilitation of the Natural Bridge to Troja Road Rehabilitation Project in North Eastern St. Catherine.
“The significance of this project cannot be overstated, as it will form part of a larger transformation which will have cascading effects on our economy, stimulate growth in various sectors as well as create countless employment opportunities”, expressed Minister Warmington.
The 10-kilometer stretch of road which serves several communities, is being rehabilitated under the National Works Agency’s Maintenance of Secondary Roads Programme.
“The overall scope of works includes installation of pipe culverts, construction of parapet walls, bushing and trimming of banks as well as the reshaping and asphalting of the worst affected sections of the roadway. We are also undertaking the construction of seven (7) retaining walls and six (6) Fords under this contract. At the end of the contract period, which is slated to last for eight months, seven of the 10 kilometers stretch will be fully rehabilitated”, Minister Warmington explained.
The Minister added that the remaining three kilometers also need attention, considering the heavy rains experienced in the last two weeks.
“I spoke to the parish manager who I asked to prepare a scope of work, so from the section below Harewood to the Yellow Bridge, that section will be addressed along with this current contract. Also, from the Yellow Bridge going to Riversdale, there are some very bad conditions there, and those also will be addressed. So, the entire section from Natural Bridge to Troja and from the Yellow Bridge to Riversdale will also be included or addressed while this work is being done”.
Noting that roads are the lifelines of the nation, Minister Warmington said the rehabilitated new Bridge to Troja Road forms part of the government’s comprehensive plan to create a road network that is efficient, safe and environmentally friendly.
“This $119 million road rehabilitation project symbolizes our commitment to sustainable development and our unwavering dedication to improving the lives of our citizens. We understand the frustration caused by dilapidated roads, traffic congestion, and the hindrances they pose to economic development. Therefore, we have formulated an inclusive and ambitious plan to address these challenges head-on”.
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