Work is expected to commence on 72 roads under the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (Spark Programme), between now and next month .

Works Minister Robert Morgan notes that by March, 49 roads will be added to the list, increasing the number of roads for which the contractor has been given instructions to commence work, to 258.

He says the Spark Programme was paused due to Hurricane Melissa, and the contractor was allowed to participate in the recovery and clearing process.

Mr. Morgan says work has now resumed with some $4 billion spent on the programme so far, with the budget for this year being $5.2 billion.

He explains that the work on each road commences prior to actual repairs, with the process generally lasting about 2-3 months, though there have been occasions where it has taken longer.

Mr Morgan says the process takes time and government is enforcing the standards.

Other roads are to see the commencement of works in coming months and by the end of March instructions would have been given for another 143 roads bringing the total to 401 roads .

By the summer work will commence on the main road component with 63 roads targeted.