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PORTMORE TOLL ROAD OPENED

Minister Pickersgill greets one of the first motorist to use the newly opened toll plaza.

The Portmore leg of Highway 2000 was officially opened on Saturday July 15, 2006.

Speaking at the opening press conference at the administrative building adjacent to the toll plaza, Minister Robert Pickersgill formally announced the commissioning the Hunt’s Bay Bridge and opening of the Portmore toll Plaza. The Minister lauded the more than 600 workers who were involved in the construction, highlighting their efforts towards completing this major project. He also lauded the contractors for completing the project on schedule and within budget. The Hunt’s Bay Bridge stands as one of the most important civil engineering works in recent times. It has a span of 210 metres standing on 206 piles, each measuring one and half metres in diameter and 40 metres deep.

In outlining the economic and social possibilities of Highway 2000, the Minister pointed out that the consumer demand for fresh fish would be facilitated as daily deliveries to supermarkets in Kingston would be possible. He also added that commuters would spending less time in their cars and more time being productive at work and content a play because of the well engineered highway that makes travel safe and less time consuming.

Additionally, the Minister Pickersgill stated that “The World Bank reports that the Caribbean needs to spend three times as much as we do now on infrastructure if we are going to catch up with the rest of the world. To do so, we certainly cannot sacrifice social expenditure, but we must establish a long-term vision that weighs the potential returns.”

With regards to the controversial toll, the Minister asserted that “Highway 2000 will change the lives of the residents of Portmore.” He added that infrastructure does not just happen, either the taxpayer or the user pays. The toll has been a painful issue for the community; however Minister Pickersgill remains confident that the frequent user discount available to T-Tags users makes long-term economic sense for Portmore commuters as they would save time, petrol and wear and tear on their vehicles.

Turning to the possible boycott of the Highway, Minister Pickersgill said that he respected the resident’s right of choice but asked that they examine and validate a range of issues. He “… urge the citizens to look at the big picture, not just the cost of using the Highway but also the opportunity cost involved. “Think it through, weigh it all, and in the end you will agree with that Highway 2000 is the best way to go.”

The Minister commended the partnership with Bouygues who he said have been steadfast in their effort to share their skills with their Jamaican counterpart. “Today, everyone involved must feel a sense of pride at how far we’ve come and in such a short time and I am honoured to have been a part of setting Jamaica on course for the future.” “The private sector is a critical partner for infrastructure development, bringing financial resources, expertise and management” he said.