KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Daryl Vaz, says the Government is working to alleviate some of the problems being faced by the commuting public as a result of ongoing road works in sections of the Corporate Area.

“We understand and we are working assiduously to try and better it. It won’t be perfect, and what we need to do is to see if we can shorten the time. So, we are also looking at working hours and the possibility of night working, so that we can reduce the eight months (in the Three Miles area) to a lesser time, based on what we know and, of course, with Christmas coming,” he said.

The minister was speaking at today’s post-Cabinet press briefing, held at Jamaica House in St Andrew.

He said additional measures such as the dissemination of real-time information, installation of additional signs and alternative routes will be critical in minimizing the prolonged delays that are being experienced. This, he said, will be achieved through a multi-agency partnership.

Vaz said the Government is fully aware of the concerns of the motoring public and commuters, and although it is a vexed issue, the benefits will far outweigh the negatives.

“It is not only about the improvement of roads and, of course, transportation – and time is critical to any growing economy – but most importantly, what you will be able to get in terms of improved sewerage, improved water supplies, improved telecommunication… There is a whole raft of benefits to road infrastructure improvement, so I ask for your patience and I ask for your sensitivity,” he added.

Vaz said the improvement projects that are being undertaken simultaneously are based on several conditions with the lending agency.