French firm wins Highway 2000 contract

Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson (left), with Marc Allouch (right), development manager of French company Bouygues, Ferdinand De la Serna (2nd right) Spanish Ambassador, and Pierre-Antoine Berniard, French Ambassador, at Jamaica House yesterday. - Junior Dowie

A FRENCH company Bouygues was yesterday awarded the multimillion dollar contract to begin construction on the first phase of the elaborate Highway 2000 project before year end.

Phase one of the 230-kilometre four-lane highway will run between Kingston and Williamsfield, Manchester. It will include the construction of a new six-lane bridge over the Portmore Causeway and the upgrade of access roads such as the Dyke Road. This phase is scheduled to be completed in 30 months and will cover 74 kilometres.

Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, who announced the successful bidder at a press conference at Jamaica House yesterday, stressed that the selection process "was intensive and thorough and marked by the highest level of integrity and transparency". Bouygues was chosen over Dragados of Spain because of its more economically advantageous offer, according to Mr. Patterson.

Marc Allouch, Bouygues' development manager, has given the assurance that the work will be under way before the end of the year. The company already has a team of five in place and has promised to involve as much local labour and material as possible.

The Prime Minister said that Bouygues will be responsible for raising 72.5 per cent or US$283 million of the US$390 million undertaking. The Government will be responsible for securing the remaining 27 per cent or US$107 million which will be made available to Bouygues in the form of a loan concession to be repaid by cash flows generated from the project. This will be financed through the issue of 30-year infrastructure bonds.

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