Business

Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

Information Minister Daryl Vaz says the distribution of work to persons under the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP) will not be done along political partisan lines.

Vaz, who was addressing residents at a special meeting Thursday evening at Rafters Rest in Portland, said the days of persons obtaining jobs on the basis of their political connection or background are long gone.

"Those harbouring thoughts that their political connection or alignment will guarantee them work better think again. This will not happen under my watch. Work is available for everyone as under the Jamaica Development Infra-structure Programme the work in this parish, including work in the Rio Grande Valley, will last for five years," said Vaz, who is also member of parliament for West Portland.

The information minister's pronouncement comes against the background of an announcement made by Transport and Works Minister Mike Henry that a new bridge will be built at Rio Grande in St Margaret's Bay by China Harbour Engineering Company.

The bridge is to replace the existing railway bridge which was transformed in 2005 to accommodate vehicular traffic following the collapse of its original structure during heavy rains.

Approximately US$60 million is to be spent between November and March next year on road rehabilitation and construction.

The work on the new Rio Grande bridge is scheduled to begin in November, and is expected to be completed by March next year.