Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Robert Morgan, says the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) is 96 percent complete.

“The project is 96 percent complete with 2 major components, Part A, (from) May Pen to Williamsfield and also Part B, which includes St. Thomas and Portland.  We anticipate completion of this phase of the SCHIP by the end of this month”, he stated.

However, Minister Morgan, who was making his Sectoral Presentation in Parliament today (June 3, 2025), explained that the construction of the recently announced Port Antonio Bypass would extend the life of the project for another 18 to 24 months.

Minister Morgan said the Government is fully aware of some of the weaknesses that exist along the corridor from Yallahs to Port Antonio.

“These weaknesses especially in St. Thomas, include areas that are prone to flash flooding and those susceptible to landslides. The engineers on the project have considered the varying parameters in the design in areas such as Port Morant which is highly prone to flooding and it has received special attention”, he stated.

However, he warned that there may still be flooding in several areas, due to natural causes such as extremely intense rainfall.

The Minister said that the SCHIP, which has transformed sections of Clarendon, Manchester, St. Andrew, St. Thomas and Portland, is another testament to the Government’s commitment to infrastructure development.

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