THE JAMAICA Social Investment Fund (JSIF) has approved $19.5 million for the rehabilitation of the Minto Road in the Blue Mountain region of northwest St. Thomas.
The rehabilitation of the approximately 4.6 kilometres of roadway, which extends from the Hagley Gap Square to the Penlyne Castle junction, is to be done in two phases. The first phase will include the cleaning of existing drains and construction of new ones along the roadway.
COMMUNITY TO MANAGE
For this phase of the project, JSIF and the Hagley Gap Benevolent Society last Tuesday signed a contract valued at $6.5 million. The agreement requires the community to manage the project by planning all project activities and procuring the necessary construction materials and labour.
Contracts Enterprises Limited has been awarded the contract for the second phase of the project, which will include the resurfacing of the road. Work is scheduled to begin upon the completion of the drains.
The roadway is the main route to the country's highest point, the Blue Mountain Peak - home to the world renowned Blue Mountain Coffee. It serves approximately 3,750 persons residing in Epping Farm, Minto, Hagley Gap and Penlyne Castle.
James Robertson, Member of Parliament for the area, expressed gratitude as he said, "These communities are of great national significance as they contribute substantially to our economy."
