Building a Better Jamaica

Published: Thursday | August 26, 2010
Jamaica Gleaner Karen Sudu, Gleaner Writer

The official opening of the Bog Walk bridge last Thursday heralded hope by political leaders that trade and travel in the St Catherine community would improve.

Natalie Neita-Headley, East Central St Catherine member of parliament, underscored the business and travel logistics which have been addressed with the construction of the bridge, particularly in relation to closing the distance between the market and the town's nucleus.

"The police had to go all the way around to be able to address any issues that were affecting the other side of this town, and so it is appreciated today," she explained.

Neita-Headley called on citizens to protect and preserve the bridge.

"I'm imploring the citizens to take care of the bridge to ensure that we do not abuse or vandalise it in any way, so that the infrastructure that is put in and that whatever services are given by the Government of Jamaica, that it can be maintained and that we can continue to have value for money," she said.

US$1.7 million cost

The bridge, one of 15 new bridges completed under the R.A. Murray Inter-national Limited Jamaica Bridge Development Programme, was built at a cost of US$1.7 million.

Construction began in 2007 but delays dogged the project, causing the bridge to be accessible to vehicular and pedestrian traffic three years later - this June.

Transport and Works Minister Mike Henry, speaking last Thursday during a brief ceremony, lamented the stoppages which, he said, were linked to several problems, including the extended closure of the Bog Walk gorge in August 2008 because of flood damage.

"This one took a little while in being completed against the background of issues which were with quality of work at one stage ... . We are held up in projects by the Jamaica Public Service not moving their poles. We ended up delaying the projects," the minister said.