ROOF INSTALLED ON THE HALF WAY TREE TRANSPORTATION CENTRE

The Half Way Tree Transportation Centre is one step closer to completion as the roof was recently put in place. In what was dubbed a 'roof topping out' ceremony on Friday, March 30, 2007, media personnel and officials from the Ministry of Housing, Transport, Water and Works as well as other stakeholders gathered at the site to see the progress on the Centre.

Work on the Centre has been progressing at a very satisfactory rate. Re-inforced concrete works at all levels have been moving along at an appreciable level and is currently at 95% completion. Erection of the steel truss was completed in December, 2006 while that of the steel roof framing progressed according to schedule. This was completed in February, 2007, after which placement of the roof cladding commenced.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Pickersgill noted the cynicism with which some persons greeted the construction of the Centre but, as he put it, " Well, you can all see for yourself that the Centre is nearing completion and I am assure you that every inch of space here will be gainfully utilised."

The Project entails the construction of 18, 600sq. metres within the Centre and will accommodate buses on two levels. It also includes a third level terrace for the public and an administrative as well as a utilities block. Originally, the scheduled construction period was 27 months, however due to delays experienced as a result of the period in 2006 when there was an all-island shortage of cement, the completion date was revised.

Overall, the project is 75% complete at the end of February and the contractors, BESIX are working assiduously to meet the revised deadline. The Ministry of Housing, Transport, Water and works through the implementing Agency, the Port Authority of Jamaica, are providing the requisite support towards accomplishing the completion date.