Statement to Parliament
on the Status of the SPARK Road Rehabilitation Programme
by
Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP,
Prime Minister
In the Houses of Parliament
Duke Street
Tuesday, October 8. 2024 at 2:00 pm
———
Madam Speaker,
I rise today to update this Honourable House on the progress of the Government’s flagship infrastructure initiative, the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Project.
Madam Speaker, this government understands how eagerly the people of Jamaica have been waiting for this initiative, as it marks the beginning of our efforts to address the deterioration of our road network, especially our community roads. This government understands that our roads are not just about vehicles—they are about our people. Roads that connect farmers to markets, students to schools, and patients to hospitals.
The SPARK project represents one of the largest investments in Jamaica’s road and water infrastructure in recent history, and its successful execution is critical to our nation’s growth and development. By improving access to essential services, and boosting productivity, it will contribute to better economic and social outcomes and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.
Madam Speaker, SPARK was first introduced in fiscal year 2023/24 as a $40 billion road improvement initiative. Since then, it has grown to include an additional $5 billion for waterline improvements. The project will also install fibre optic ducts to support future broadband connectivity, which aligns with the Government’s digital transformation strategy. This infrastructure will connect public institutions, improve the delivery of shared services, and eventually enable e-government services for the Jamaican people.
While some may not yet fully grasp the scope of this transformation, Madam Speaker, soon everyone will experience the significant changes happening.
Madam Speaker, SPARK is divided into two major components:
1. Part A, with an allocation of J$20 billion, will focus on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of local, parochial, and community roads. These are roads that have suffered from surface deterioration, poor drainage, and structural issues.
2. Under this component, we will address pavement resurfacing, drainage issues, intersection and sidewalk improvements, as well as constructing retaining walls where needed, to prevent landslides and improve road safety. Madam Speaker, this road improvement project has involved widespread public participation through consultations at the divisional level in each constituency. Allocation is being based on a fair and equitable basis and every constituency will benefit.
2. Part B, also allocated J$20 billion, will target more complex roadworks. This component focuses on major roads that require structural upgrades, installation of modern drainage systems, and the inclusion of water infrastructure and fibre optic ducts. These upgrades will support our efforts to create a digitally connected Jamaica, ready to meet the demands of a modern economy.
Both components will also benefit from the integration of water infrastructure and fibre optic ducts to support a digitally connected Jamaica.
An extra J$5 billion is earmarked for water pipeline works, ensuring a reliable and efficient water supply alongside improved roads.
These works will be coordinated with the National Water Commission (NWC) to prevent the need for road excavations in the future, improving cost efficiency and reducing disruptions to the public.
Progress on Procurement and Contract Negotiations
Madam Speaker, the Government of Jamaica is committed to ensuring that this project is executed with the utmost transparency and accountability. To that end, we embarked on an International Competitive Bidding (ICB) process earlier this year, which saw five bidders submitting proposals for the four construction packages under the SPARK Project.
The process was conducted in line with international best practices to ensure we attracted the best contractors from both local and international markets.
Following the evaluation of the bids, one contractor emerged as the preferred bidder for all four packages. Their technical scores were the highest, and their bid pricing was competitive.
In response to these higher-than-expected bids, the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) Negotiation Team—which includes representatives from the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), the Ministry of Finance and Public Service, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, the National Water Commission and the National Works Agency (NWA), engaged in several rounds of negotiations to reduce the overall contract price.
These negotiations were necessary to ensure that we are receiving the best value for money, while still achieving the scope and quality of work required.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to report that the negotiation process has been successful, resulting in a reduction of the total contract price
Project Implementation and Adjustments
Additionally, negotiations regarding the water line works component of the SPARK Project were also completed with the preferred bidder and the GoJ Negotitiaton team agreeing to a suitable price for the $2 billion budgeted component of the waterline works. The NWC responsible for procuring the necessary materials for all four packages. This approach will allow for a more streamlined execution of the water line works and road improvements.
Sub-Contracting
Madam Speaker, in recent days, there has been considerable debate regarding the perceived sidelining of local contractors and the potential impact on the industry. As such, I would like to clarify the role of local contractors in the SPARK project. SPARK will be implemented islandwide and is expected to engage several local subcontractors, bringing significant benefits to the local construction industry, including job creation and skills development.
However, it is important to note that the selection of these subcontractors will be made by the main contractor in accordance with the terms and conditions of the main contract.
While the Government will exercise its statutory role to ensure fair wages, labour conditions, and compliance with health and safety standards, the principle of privity of contract must be respected. The contract is with the main contractor, and it is to this contractor that the Government will look for the timely project delivery and quality of the works, irrespective of which local subcontractors are engaged.
Though concerns have been raised about the performance of local contractors, I want to emphasize that the Government has strong confidence in our local construction industry. We can all improve, and I believe that SPARK will provide opportunities for growth and development within the sector.
Benefits to the People of Jamaica
Madam Speaker, Honourable Members, the SPARK Project is not just about upgrading roads. It is about transforming the lives of our people. Better roads mean safer travel, reduced transportation costs, and improved access to jobs, education, and healthcare. It means that farmers in rural communities will be able to get their produce to markets more efficiently. It means that businesses can thrive because goods and services can move more freely across the island. And, importantly, it means that we are laying the groundwork for a digitally connected Jamaica, with the integration of fibre optic ducts into our road infrastructure.
We are not just building roads; we are building a better future for all Jamaicans.
REACH Road Rehabilitation Programme
Madam Speaker, Honourable Members, I would also like to provide an update on the implementation of the REACH Road Rehabilitation Programme, which was initiated in response to the widespread road damage caused by Hurricane Beryl earlier this year.
After the completion of the procurement process and delays due to weeks of heavy rains, I am pleased to report that work has now begun under the programme.
Currently, patching efforts are underway across various constituencies, and these activities will be significantly escalated in the coming days to address the backlog of repairs. The phased nature of the programme remains as previously outlined, with each constituency allocated twenty million dollars ($20,000,000.00) for the necessary roadworks, including pothole patching, small-scale rehabilitation, and minor drainage improvements. The National Works Agency is actively overseeing the implementation to ensure efficiency and accountability.
The NWA will also engage in the rehabilitation of main thoroughfares at over 600 million dollars to complement work on community Roads.
Madam Speaker, this $3 Billion program is necessary and essential to provide greater well-being to our commuting public.
Madam Speaker, while we welcome this progress, we must also acknowledge that there will be some unavoidable disruptions to traffic flow as the works intensify. I therefore appeal to the patience and understanding of the citizens, as these inconveniences will result in a much-improved road network that will benefit all.
I urge all Members of Parliament to continue working closely with the National Works Agency to ensure that the programme is executed within the timelines established and that we maximize the impact of every dollar allocated for this essential work.
Conclusion and Way Forward
Madam Speaker, I know many Jamaicans are eager to know if their roads have been selected for improvement under the SPARK programme. Some may be disappointed if their communities are not included in this phase of SPARK. However, we have worked hard to make the project as fair and equitable as possible. SPARK has been the most consultative road improvement initiatives in the nation’s history. Through town hall meetings, the SPARK programme actively sought input from residents, ensuring that their voices were heard in prioritizing which roads to fix. This inclusive approach has not only fostered greater transparency and accountability but also ensured that the programme targets areas with the highest impact on daily life, economic activity, and safety. Under each component, whether main roads or local roads, every constituency will benefit. For constituencies with more roads, they will receive additional allocations based on road length.
In the coming days, Madam Speaker, the Government will engage a public relations firm to launch the public awareness campaign for SPARK. Citizens will be informed about which roads have been selected for improvement and other key project details, helping to manage public expectations.
Madam Speaker, as we prepare to enter the construction phase of the SPARK project, we are committed to carrying out the work with efficiency and professionalism, ensuring minimal disruption to the daily lives of our citizens.
Madam Speaker, the SPARK Project is a vital part of our national development strategy, and I am confident that its successful execution will bring about lasting benefits for our people. I wish to assure this Honourable House that the Government remains fully committed to ensuring that this project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.
The road ahead will require continued focus and collaboration between all stakeholders. I look forward to updating this House as we continue to make progress on this critical national project, which is expected to commence in the third quarter of FY 2024/25 and be completed by March 2027.
Madam Speaker, with your permission, I would like to close by thanking the members of the Government’s Negotiation Team, the Ministries, and the agencies involved for their hard work and dedication to ensuring the successful delivery of the SPARK Programme.
I also want to thank the Jamaican people for their patience and understanding as we work to improve the infrastructure that supports their daily lives.
Thank you, Madam Speaker, and may God bless Jamaica, land we love.