Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Portmore’s transition into Jamaica’s 15th parish, emphasising that significant infrastructure investments are already under way to support its growth.
During a tour of the multimillion-dollar road expansion along the Grange Lane and Passage Fort corridor, Holness expressed satisfaction with the quality of work.
He highlighted the project as a forward-thinking initiative designed to accommodate increased traffic flow, particularly with the Bernard Lodge development set to bring more commuters into Portmore.
“This is a pre-emptive development because we have invested heavily in the Bernard Lodge project, which will bring even more traffic to Portmore. But more importantly, as Portmore becomes a parish, it is crucial that it has a road network capable of handling the load, supporting traffic flow, and facilitating the development of an urban cluster within the parish,” Holness stated.
The Prime Minister also noted additional road projects in the pipeline, including the expansion of the Braeton to Hellshire main road and the widening and dualisation of Municipal Boulevard into four lanes to improve access from Mandela Highway.
Holness dismissed claims that the parish transition is politically motivated, asserting that Portmore’s economic growth justifies the infrastructural developments.
“The transition to a parish has nothing to do with political machinations, as others would want you to believe,” he asserted.
“People go to school here, do business here, and retire here. Therefore, we must invest in the necessary infrastructure to support its growth. The notion of Portmore as a dormitory community is no longer valid because it has its own distinct and independent economy.”
Additionally, Holness toured the under-construction Resilience Park, which is now 50% complete and on track for completion by September.
Developed by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), the park will feature a climate change monitoring tower, water conservation systems, and a 12,000-square-foot commercial space for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The park will also cater to health and wellness, offering a 700-metre jogging track, an outdoor gym, netball and pickleball courts, and multi-purpose event spaces.
With these projects, Holness assured residents that Portmore’s transformation is well under way, reinforcing its future as a thriving urban hub.
– Ruddy Mathison
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