‘Rules will be followed’ - Malahoo Forte says road construction will adhere to guidelines

Marlene Malahoo Forte, member of parliament (MP) for West Central St James, is vowing to use her political position to ensure that all building regulations and guidelines are followed in the planned construction of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road.

The roadway, which will be constructed by the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC) as part of the Highway 2000 project, is expected to pass through the Catherine Hall and West Green communities in Malahoo Forte's constituency.

While addressing a community-consultation meeting on the project at the Howard Cooke Primary School in Catherine Hall last Wednesday, Malahoo Forte assured residents that measures will be implemented to ensure accountability and address concerns about the construction process.

"I find that there's usually a play-off between consultants and contractors. Nobody wants to take responsibility, and when an issue is raised with one set of players, it's passed on to other players. In this territory, for me, as the MP, regulations will have to be observed, and there is going to be no 'non-negotiations' of that," said Malahoo Forte.

REPORTING SYSTEM

"We'll ask for a proper reporting mechanism to be put in place so persons can know who to complain to where there is an issue, and we'll ask for a time-frame for resolution of any matter that is raised," she added.

Errol Mortley, NROCC's environmental manager, assured persons at the meeting that his organisation will not ignore residents' concerns.

"We address issues responsibly, and we follow up every issue. If we have to travel down here to meet one person with an issue, we will give you the commitment that we will address the issues that will be raised," said Mortley.

NROCC expects to finish the perimeter road's design phase by 2020, following which the highway's construction will be done over three years.