KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has initiated an ambitious $1.7 billion Graded Overlay Emergency Road Rehabilitation (GO) Programme to address widespread infrastructure damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. With a target completion date set for the end of March, the comprehensive initiative aims to restore approximately 200 roadways across multiple parishes.
Minister Robert Morgan, who holds portfolio responsibility for Works within the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, provided detailed allocations during a recent post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House. The program, which commenced in December, represents one of the most significant infrastructure rehabilitation efforts in recent years.
Clarendon Parish will receive $206 million for critical repairs along major transportation corridors including Four Paths to Guinep Tree, Hazard Drive, Bustamante Highway, and routes connecting Whitney Turn, Four Paths to Freetown, and the road to Porus. Additional funding will address infrastructure in Salt River Road, Rastaman Corner, Portland Cottage, May Pen to Chapelton, Colonel’s Ridge to Kellits, Spalding, Cave Valley, Pennants, Frankfield, Summerfield and Trout Hall.
The capital region of Kingston and St. Andrew has been allocated $500 million for extensive roadway improvements. This funding will rehabilitate essential corridors including Mannings Hill Road, Washington Boulevard, Duhaney Drive, Perkins Boulevard, Red Hills Road, Slipe Road, and the connecting route from Golden Spring to Stony Hill. Additional repairs will focus on Stony Hill to Manor Park, Weymouth Drive, Arcadia, Shortwood Road, Papine Square to Gordon Town, and John Golding Road.
Western parishes will also see substantial investment, with St. James receiving $130 million for main corridor repairs and an additional $100 million designated for Montpelier works. The Montego Bay township will undergo comprehensive rehabilitation including Barnett Street, St. James Street, and Howard Cooke Boulevard, alongside the critical connecting routes from Anchovy to Shettlewood and Reading to Anchovy.
Trelawny Parish has been allocated $107 million for roadway repairs in Salt Marsh, Bengal, Falmouth, Duncans, Long Pond, Wire Fence, Warsop, and Jackson Town. Meanwhile, Westmoreland will benefit from approximately $100 million in funding for infrastructure rehabilitation in Goodens, Glasgow, Bartlett’s River, Negril, Ferris Cross, Torrington, and Scott’s Cove.
Minister Morgan emphasized that these allocations are separate from ongoing repairs addressing roads washed out by Hurricane Melissa. Despite implementation challenges including heavy rainfall and temporary asphalt plant closures, the Minister confirmed the program is progressing earnestly. Most contractors have either submitted required insurance documentation to the National Works Agency or are in the final stages of compliance, with physical work expected to commence before month’s end.