HELP COMING FOR BRIDGES

Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller (centre) is flanked from left to right by Permanent Secretary, Dr. Alwin Hales; Minister Robert Pickersgill, Mr. R. Murray from contractors, R. A Murray, Minister Richard Azan and Mr. Wayne Hewitt from BNS, banking partners in the Project.

Contracts for the construction of bridges all over the island were signed on Friday, December 8 at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller said that the Government recognised the important linkages that are created through these ‘vital structures along our road network’. She said that it was against that background that a programme to address the construction and repair of bridges had been given priority.

Two Bridge programmes are under the administration of the National Works Agency (NWA). These are the British based Mabey and Johnson Priority Bridge Programme and the R.A Murray Bridge Programme which is operated by the Canadian Government. The contract signed was for the R.A Murray Programme. Under that Programme, two phases of the contract agreement valued at $10MCD for the design, fabrication and supply of bridges have been completed since 2004. These two phases have allowed for the supply of 17 bridges which are to be constructed by GOJ. Of this number, 12 are in storage, 4 erected and one nearing completion. Those completed are to be found at Washington Boulevard in St. Andrew, Styx River in Westmoreland and Fort George in St. Mary. Banbury Bridge in St. Catherine is approximately 80% complete.

Phase 3 of the R.A Murray Programme will be embarked upon through a loan amount of US$44M. Through this new phase, the intention is to construct 11 of the bridges that were supplied as part of phase 2. The Agreement will also facilitate an additional nine bridges which are to be designed, fabricated and constructed, making a total of 20 bridges. The contract will also address issues such as the protective works in the vicinity of the bridges.

The Prime Minister also used the opportunity to assure residents of St. Thomas and those who used the Yallahas Ford that very soon work will commence in that area. She noted that bridge parts are now in storage at the site in Poorman’s Corner. She also advised that a proposal from the suppliers have been received for the construction of the bridge and that those proposals are now being assessed by the NWA.

Also speaking at the event was Minister Robert Pickersgill who noted that bridges were very important to the economic and social life of the country. He disclosed that over 50 locations had been identified for the construction of bridges. He explained that there were a number of bridges to come on stream under the Mabey and Johnson Programme.