The Government of Jamaica has promised to place transformative infrastructure on its priority list for the year 2023/2024, with several plans slated to either begin or be completed during the time frame.

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen made the statement during the ceremonial opening of Parliament today.

“In building our stronger Jamaica, transformative infrastructure that provides lasting social and economic value is being given priority,” said Sir Patrick.

Among the plans mentioned was the creation of seamless mobility across the island through the construction of highways to the North, South, East and West of the Jamaica.

In his remarks, Sir Patrick gave an update on the May Pen to Williamsfield leg of Highway 2000, stating that the project will be completed by August 2023. The US$188 million project started in October 2019 and was originally slated to be completed in October 2022. But the due to various challenges it was pushed to March of 2023 and now August 2023 is new completion date. The highway is said to be 90 per cent complete.

The Governor General shared that work on the Harbour View to Port Antonio Highway is progressing and “despite the dislocation and inconvenience, residents are looking forward to the increased investment that will open up our Eastern Parishes as the new frontier for growth and development.”

He also made mention of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road as well as the expansion and upgrade of the North Coast Highway, stating that their completion will be transformational for that area of the island.

Additionally, Sir Patrick said “the Government will implement a multi-billion Jamaican Dollar Special Capital Expenditure Programme during 2023/2024 which will see the development of major corridors in the Corporate Area.”

A number of flagship projects are also expected to be advanced by the Government in 2023/2024. These include the new Parliament Building, the Government Campus, the Portmore Resilience Park and the Kingston Harbour Walk.

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