KINGSTON, Jamaica – A total of $4.3 billion has been allocated for repairs to and the maintenance of roads, including patching, and bushing of verges.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr Nigel Clarke, made the disclosure as he opened the 2024/25 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

“This is not the ‘Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network’ (SPARK) Programme; that is just the normal annual allocation,” he informed.

Additionally, some $825 million has been earmarked for disaster mitigation, cleaning of gullies and river training, while $600 million is being provided to support the construction/rehabilitation and maintenance of water systems serving rural communities.

Meanwhile, $9.3 billion has been allocated to support the Jamaica Urban Transit Company’s operational expenses. This includes $1 billion to support the temporary reduction in fares to the public.

“Fares, come April 1, will be reduced from $100 to $50. For members of the commuting public, for those who are low-income, reducing the bus fare, half price for the next 24 months… it adds up. The monthly contribution for transportation is, thereby, reduced by a useful amount,” Dr Clarke stated.

-JIS