Highway to Point Fortin begins Thursday

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Jack Warner at the sod-turning for the new highway

Jack Warner told Parliament Wednesday work will begin Thursday on the extension of the Solomon Hochoy Highway to Point Fortin project, noting that the project will provide jobs for 27,000 persons at the peak of construction,.

The Works and Transport Minister and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar turned to sod last month to signal the start of the $7.2 billion project - the most expensive development project ever undertaken in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Brazilian firm - Construtora OAS - is the main contractor. 

Oppositions MPs Colm Imbert and Paula Gopee-Scoon asked the minister how work could begin without execution of the contract. Warner explained that the contract documents have been prepared just require the signatures.

Warner assured them that the contract with the firm will be signed in a few days and confirmed that mobilisation will begin Thursday using the resources of the Works ministry.

He also said finance for the project is being arranged. He is on record as saying that local and foreign banks are eager to finance the project.

The highway is expected to be completed in four years.