CABINET on Monday approved a $157.18-million contract to undertake infrastructure works for the development of 591 serviced lots at Hayes, part of the Bog Estates and Raymonds in Clarendon, for housing for sugar workers.

The development is a joint venture between the National Housing Trust (NHT), the Sugar Producers Federation and the trade unions which represent the sugar workers.

The government’s objective is to provide 3,662 affordable housing solutions for sugar workers over a five-year period, according to information minister, Colin Campbell.

Campbell, who was speaking at Tuesday’s post-cabinet press briefing, also announced the award of a contract to Asphalt Emulsion Company Limited, to supply and deliver 1.5 million litres of type RS1 asphalt emulsion to the National Works Agency.

The asphalt emulsion will be used in a major road patching programme on the island’s main road network, to be conducted over an 18-month period.

Campbell said the road patching programme will employ a new technique known as “spray injector patching”, which has been proven to be cost-effective.