Robert Morgan, the minister with responsibility for works, told the Parliament on Tuesday that the Government’s major road improvement programme will generate 13,000 direct jobs during construction, deliver an estimated US$1.3 billion ($195 billion) in savings from vehicle operating costs, enhance service accessibility, and strengthen community connectivity.

According to Morgan, the Shared Prosperity Accelerated Improvement to Our Road Network (SPARK) programme, as it is named, represents a “bold step forward in our national development agenda”.

Priced at $45 billion, which includes a $5 billion component for the National Water Commission, the contract was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company and work commenced in December 2024.

“We have already issued three work orders covering 126 roads across 63 constituencies. This week, an additional 42 roads will be included under work order number four. Works have commenced in several areas across the island,” said Morgan.

“SPARK will revolutionise our infrastructure, modernise road networks to enhance road safety, reduce travel times, and lower vehicle operating costs. This initiative will improve economic efficiency, bolster Jamaica’s tourism appeal, and create employment opportunities,” he added.

The scope of work under SPARK includes the rehabilitation of main, local, and community roads, addressing pavements, select intersections, sidewalks, drainage, and retaining walls.

“Additionally, the project integrates water infrastructure upgrades and fibreoptic ducting to support future broadband connectivity. A crucial element is the $5 billion investment in water pipeline upgrades, synchronised with roadworks to minimise disruptions and maximise efficiency,” Morgan noted.

He said the project “reaffirms this Government’s unwavering commitment to modernising Jamaica’s infrastructure, improving the quality of life for our citizens, and ensuring sustainable economic growth.

“We are a Government that delivers on its promises — one that is seized of the varied needs of our people and is taking decisive action to meet them. Through strategic investment, integrated planning, and efficient execution, we are transforming the nation’s highways, urban and rural roads, water systems, and essential public services”.

Morgan also told the House that the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP), a US$575-million project, is 96 per cent complete, with two major components — Part A (May Pen to Williamsfield Toll Road Extension) and Part B(ii) (Harbour View to Yallahs Bridge, covering 17.4km of a four-lane highway) — already open to the public.

“Works are progressing on the Yallahs to Port Antonio and Morant Bay to Cedar Valley legs, which span 123.65km of two-lane roadway and are divided into three tranches. Tranches one and two are substantially complete, with minor outstanding works. Tranche three, which includes Packages five, six, seven, nine, and 11, began in late 2023 and is now approximately 70 per cent complete,” Morgan said.

He said full completion of SCHIP is anticipated by June 2025.

The works minister also provided an update on the Urban Renewal and Future-Proofing Infrastructure Through the Special Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) programme, under which nearly $16 billion is being invested in urban transportation improvements across Kingston, St Andrew, and St Catherine, benefiting 1.2 million Jamaicans.

“This initiative integrates road, drainage, water, sewerage, and traffic management upgrades while ensuring broadband connectivity for the future,” Morgan said.

He pointed to the $925-million Grange Lane upgrade which, he said, was 90 per cent complete, with weather-related delays pushing completion to June 2025.

CAPEX also includes the $2.4-billion Braeton Road/Hellshire Main Road dualisation which is set to commence in April, pending contractor insurance and bonds.

“Other CAPEX projects — including the East King’s House Road/Lady Musgrave Road dualisation; the expanded Arthur Wint Drive dualisation, Sandy Gully Bridge widening, and the new entrance to Portmore project — have completed feasibility studies and are in the final stages of the Public Investment Management System (PIMS) process,” Morgan shared.

He said the Arthur Wint Drive project, originally a smaller-scale dualisation, has now been expanded from Arthur Wint Drive to Tom Redcam to Camp Road.

“This expansion includes sewerage and additional waterline infrastructure, ensuring greater benefits for residents, businesses, and developers. The remaining CAPEX projects will commence in Quarter three 2025/26, with careful scheduling to minimise disruptions,” said the works minister.