Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to focus on minor roads

Published in the Jamaica Gleaner: Thursday | August 2, 2007

THE JAMAICA Labour Party (JLP) will be committing its attention to the island's minor roads, if it is successful at the polls come August 27, according to the party's transport spokesperson, Mike Henry.

Mr. Henry was unable to say yesterday whether this focus would take precedence over the continuing development of the national highway system.

He told The Gleaner that, while minor roadways and rural townships will be central in the development plan, he could not specifically say whether this would take first priority over the work being done on other major roadways.

"It would be a little irresponsible to say the highways would not necessarily be your focus or priority as against the side roads before you are behind the desk," said Mr. Henry.

"Because when you speak of highways you are [often] speaking of toll roads, and some toll roads are often what is called 'build own operator transfer', and these may have inescapable clauses."

Contractual considerations

Mr. Henry said under these circumstances, particular negotiations are often necessary, including contractual considerations, such as time and the financing available.

"What has been missing from the overall road programme has been a developmental plan that speaks to rural townships and also how to deal with minor roads in terms of their needs," Mr. Henry said.