Project hailed as pathway for transformation, development of eastern parish

Prime Minister Andrew Holness unveiled the latest milestone in Jamaica’s infrastructural development on Tuesday, February 6, with the inauguration of the four-lane highway stretching from Harbour View, St Andrew to Yallahs Bridge, St Thomas.

Dubbed “a corridor of development” by the prime minister, this 17-kilometre roadway marks the completion of Part B (ii) of the Government’s Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP).

Speaking at the opening ceremony held in Bull Bay, Holness highlighted the significance of this project, asserting that it represents the largest investment in St Thomas since the Morant Bay Rebellion.

He said: “St Thomas is witnessing a remarkable change in its infrastructure, particularly its roadways and public facilities. The SCHIP is a key catalyst for this transformation. The highway is set to enhance the economic foundations of St. Thomas offering numerous opportunities for its residents.”

Holness pointed out that this leg of the SCHIP is “much more than a new road”, as it will significantly enhance critical infrastructure such as the widening and realigning of the existing road to make it safer and more efficient, and the upgrading of drains.

“The road will be watched and studied carefully over its lifetime but intensely in the first two years of its operation because that is when you begin to understand water flows. That is when you begin to develop models of patterns so you can know where to put in a drain, which drain needs to be expanded, if an embankment needs to be built,” he continued.

Minister without ortfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Everald Warmington, echoed the sentiments of progress, describing the road project as a “game-changer” for commuters between Yallahs and Harbour View.

Furthermore, Warmington highlighted the project’s broader impact, including provisions for water and telecommunications infrastructure, along with the installation of St Thomas’ first set of traffic lights.

“It is a big deal because you can plan your affairs, have them done in Kingston or St Thomas and be at home in a good time,” he said.

Member of Parliament for St Thomas Western James Robertson, in expressing gratitude on behalf of the people of the parish, said: “This is our project; our project that is making the east a place of the future, a place with the best road in Jamaica, pound for pound, with no toll.”