Opposition calls on Gov’t to explain methodology used to select projects under SPARKS phase 2

Opposition Spokesperson on Land and Works, Lothan Cousins, is calling on the Government to explain the methodology used to select projects under phase 2 of the $25 billion SPARK Main Roads Programme.

According to him, the published allocations raise serious concerns about fairness and equitable investment across Jamaica.

He cites data from the National Works Agency (NWA) which indicate that $12 billion nearly half of the programme’s total budget, is concentrated in the Corporate Area and St. Catherine.

The two major Corporate Area projects are the Dunrobin Avenue expansion and the Washington Boulevard/Molynes Road improvement project.

Mr. Cousins believes the inclusion of a Greenfield Project like the Dunrobin extension, raises important questions about whether the published selection criteria were applied consistently.

He states that if the programme was selected solely through an objective, data-driven approach, then the inclusion of a brand-new project requires a clear explanation.

Meanwhile, the opposition is also questioning the overall scope of the programme