Works Ministry Has Spent 22% of Capital Budget, Morgan Says

Kingston, Jamaica, 20 June 2026

The Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development has spent roughly 22 per cent of its capital budget so far this financial year, with the bulk directed at major road projects.

Robert Morgan, the Minister without Portfolio in the ministry with responsibility for Works, gave the figure during his 2026/27 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, 17 June.

Where the money has gone

The minister listed four main areas of capital spending: the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network programme, known as SPARK; the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project; the Troy Bridge; and the dualisation of the Braeton and Hellshire Main Road.

Across those projects, he said, about $1.4 billion has been spent out of a combined total of more than $6 billion. Mr Morgan described the outlay as evidence of the Government’s commitment to modernising the country’s roads.

Balancing demand and budget

Acknowledging the steady stream of calls for road repairs from across the island, the minister said the Government has to work within its fiscal means. He told the House that while it would be ideal to fix every road, spending has to be weighed against what the country can afford.

Extra $1 million for each MP

Mr Morgan also announced that every Member of Parliament will receive an additional $1 million for works in their constituency. He said the Prime Minister approved the sum in light of the requests received and the current season, adding that it is also linked to the Independence celebrations. MPs are to be notified by letter.

What it means for communities

With less than a quarter of the capital budget spent, much of this year’s road investment is still to come. Residents along corridors such as Braeton and Hellshire in St Catherine, and communities served by SPARK projects, will be watching progress closely.

Better roads tend to shorten commutes and can lift the appeal of the neighbourhoods they serve. Homeowners and buyers in areas earmarked for upgrades may find it worth following the timelines, and anyone hoping for local repairs could raise their concerns with their MP as the additional constituency funds are allocated.

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