Cabinet is to be updated on the progress of the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) programme on Monday.
This was stated on Wednesday in a statement from the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC) above the name of Minister without Portfolio in the ministry with responsibility for works, Robert Morgan.
The update came as residents across the country continue to protest over the poor state of many roads. One of the latest protests occurred on Monday when taxi operators who ply the Linstead to Guy's Hill route withdrew their services and called on the authorities to urgently fix the potholes on segments of the roadway.
The following day, residents in Grange Hill, Westmoreland and Kendal, Hanover blocked what was reported as their shared main road to vent frustration with the delay in the start of rehabilitation works there.
The MEGJC, in its release, reminded that the $45-billion SPARK initiative is aimed at significantly upgrading Jamaica's infrastructure, with a focus on critical improvements to road networks and water systems.
The ministry said the programme, a strategic initiative aligned with the Government’s goals for enhanced economic growth and social development, is divided into four major construction packages.
The MEGJC and the National Works Agency (NWA) are said to be in the final stages of finalising the contract negotiations.
"These negotiations, conducted through a transparent and competitive International Competitive Bidding (ICB) process, are focused on finalising terms that align with the Government's policy objectives and budgetary framework," the ministry indicated.
Continuing, it said: "The SPARK programme will target both major and local roadways, undertaking essential work such as pavement resurfacing, drainage improvements, retaining wall construction, and the installation of water pipelines and fibre optic ducts.
"The initiative is designed to modernise Jamaica's transportation infrastructure, improve safety, and enhance the quality of life for citizens island-wide.
"The Government, through the MEGJC and the NWA, has already conducted two rounds of negotiations, and is collaborating closely with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development (MLGCD), the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service (MOFPS), and the National Water Commission (NWC), to finalise contract terms," the release outlined.
With a projected start date "in the coming weeks", the SPARK programme is expected to continue through to March of 2027, according to the MEGJC's release.
"The initial phase will focus on rehabilitating community and parochial roads, while more complex structural upgrades will follow in subsequent phases, in collaboration with local contractors," the ministry said.
It added that Cabinet is to be updated on the progress of the negotiations and the programme as a whole.
