Warner was speaking at a briefing for the media about the project. He said the idea of creating so many jobs is "like music to my ears". However he said this can only be achieved through the collective efforts of "all of us".
Apart from the main construction personnel on both projects there will be jobs for masons, engineers, plumbers, steel benders, welders as well as office support staff and even even food vendors.
Finance Minister Winston Dookeran who was also present at the conference said the start of the two major projects is a step in the right direction.
Dookeran said: “I am very confident that we will be able to source funding for this project. We have had two years of flat negative growth in the industry. We are not saying all would happen immediately but surely it is a move to stimulate the economy especially in the construction industry.”
Dookeran noted that the economy is poised for growth in the new year, primarily because of the fiscal approach adopted by the People's Partnership government.
The bidding process for the construction of the highway started under the previous administration. The current government has pledged to ensure that a substantial amount of the work will be done by local contractors.
Warner is hoping that the preparatory work will be done before the end of the year to allow the ministry to formally turn the sod in January to officially start the $5-billion projects.
Construction will be undertaken in phases, starting with a five kilometre stretch of the four-lane highway from Golconda to Debe.
(with files from Ann Dookie)
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