SPARK to provide 13,000 jobs – Morgan

The Government’s highly-touted road programme, the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to Our Road Network (SPARK), will create 13,000 jobs, according to Minister with responsibility for Works, Robert Morgan.

Morgan stated the job numbers on Tuesday during a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives, during which he provided an update on the much talked about $45 billion programme.

“It is projected to generate 13,000 direct jobs during construction while delivering an estimated USD$1.3 billion (J$195 billion) in savings from vehicle cost reductions, enhanced service accessibility, and strengthened community connectivity,” said Morgan. 

He said the SPARK, with China Harbour Engineering Company as the lead contractor, represents a “bold step forward in our national development agenda”.

Work to rehabilitate some 660 roads islandwide, started in December 2024 and is slated to last two years.

“We have already issued three work orders covering 126 roads across 63 constituencies. This week, an additional 42 roads will be included under work order #4. Works have commenced in several areas across the island,” Morgan told the House.

He declared that “SPARK will revolutionise our infrastructure, modernising road networks to enhance road safety, reduce travel times, and lower vehicle operating costs. This initiative will improve economic efficiency, bolster Jamaica’s tourism appeal, and create employment opportunities”.

According to the works minister, “SPARK will revolutionise our infrastructure, modernising road networks to enhance road safety, reduce travel times, and lower vehicle operating costs. This initiative will improve economic efficiency, bolster Jamaica’s tourism appeal, and create employment opportunities”.

The scope of work under SPARK includes the rehabilitation of main, local, and community roads, addressing pavements, select intersections, sidewalks, drainage, and retaining walls.

“Additionally, the project integrates water infrastructure upgrades and fibre optic ducting to support future broadband connectivity. A crucial element is the $5 billion investment in water pipeline upgrades, synchronised with roadworks to minimise disruptions and maximise efficiency,” said Morgan.

He said the project “reaffirms this Government’s unwavering commitment to modernising Jamaica’s infrastructure, improving the quality of life for our citizens, and ensuring sustainable economic growth”.

“We are a government that delivers on its promises—one that is seized of the varied needs of our people and is taking decisive action to meet them. Through strategic investment, integrated planning, and efficient execution, we are transforming the nation’s highways, urban and rural roads, water systems, and essential public services,” he added.