A road maintenance workshop was put on by the 9th EDF (European Union) on December 1 at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville.

On hand were several presenters all of whom gave inputs as to the vision for Jamaica’s road sector. The workshop offered an opportunity for the review of the EDF Project and to ensure that it met the aims and aspirations of GOJ.

In giving the main address, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Alwin Hales highlighted the fact that the Ministry was thankful for multi-lateral institutions such as the European Union in the development of Jamaica’s road network. He noted that the EDF would assist in the improvement of the institutional, procedural and technical aspects of road maintenance in order to provide a lasting impact in aligning the efficient use of resources relative to road maintenance.

He offered some hope for the development of our roads when he said, “…we may be in the pangs of a severe global economic downturn, but we are zealous in pursuing a path of continued development of our roads. This is but one prong of a multi-pronged approach in pursuit of that goal…we stand ready to lend our support to the realisation of a safe, reliable and efficient road network.”

Among persons making presentations were, Mr. Melvin Asin of the EU; Mr. Tony Davis of Consultants Mott McDonald; Mr. Devon Sterling IT Director of the Ministry of Transport and Works; Mr. Neville Weeks of Mott McDonald; Mr. Paul Clemetson, Director of the Island Traffic Authority and Mr. Kenute Hare, Director of the Road Safety Unit. The session was facilitated by personnel from Elite Communications headed by Ms. Carol Narcisse and Mrs. Norma Brown-Bell.