By: Donique Weston and Sonya Harvey

Savanna-la-mar Mayor Danree Delancy has expressed concern about the delay in the roll out of the Shared Prosperity Through Accelerated Improvement to the Road Network, SPARK Programme.

The 40 billion dollar programme is expected to facilitate rehabilitation of critical roadways across the country.

Speaking at yesterday’s general meeting of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation, Mayor Delancy said the current condition of roads in the parish is the worst he has ever seen.

His concern follows reports on Tuesday that the government successfully completed negotiations with the selected contractor for the SPARK Programme.

Meantime, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said work is expected to begin this quarter under the 45 billion dollar, SPARK Programme.

He said in the coming days, the government will engage a public relations firm to launch the public awareness campaign for spark.

He noted that citizens will be informed about which roads have been selected for improvement and other key project details, helping to manage public expectations.

Mr. Holness said the SPARK Programme is not just about upgrading roads; but also about providing  better travel, reduced transportation costs, improved access to jobs, education and health.

He said the vital infrastructure upgrades will be funded fully by the government, given the country’s improved economy.

The SPARK Programme is divided into two major components. 

20 billion dollars will be spent in the first phase, and another 20 billion for the second. 

The remaining 5 billion dollars is for water pipe lines.