Engineering contractor CHEC builds lasting bonds in Jamaica

China Harbor Engineering Co, a prominent nationwide contractor, has undertaken nearly 20 projects in Jamaica. This substantial investment has made contributions to the local economy and social development.

Jamaica, a renowned global tourist destination, has been hindered by its road infrastructure. Low-grade roads not only limit transportation capacity but act as a bottleneck impeding economic and tourism growth of the country.

Since 2009, CHEC has been engaged in various infrastructure projects in Jamaica, such as airports, ports, logistics parks, buildings, water treatment and new energy projects.

One of the ongoing projects of CHEC in Jamaica is the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project, which commenced construction in 2019. This project involves the design and construction of roads and is financed by the China Export-Import Bank.

The key component of this project is the construction of a 28-kilometer extension of the West-East Highway, along with a 17-km expressway from Harbour View to Yallahs and the expansion of old coastal roads, totaling 119 km in southern regions.

This project stands out as the longest in terms of construction distance, facility relocation and its effect on multiple communities among all of CHEC's road construction and improvement projects in Jamaica.

Apart from improving Jamaica's transportation network and alleviating traffic congestion, this project has created more than 5,000 direct jobs and more than 3,000 indirect jobs, enhancing the livelihoods of the local population.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, speaking at the project's groundbreaking ceremony in November 2019, emphasized the importance of constructing a safe and efficient highway corridor connecting major cities across the country.

He highlighted how this project meets increasing domestic transportation demands while promoting the development of land and tourism resources along the route.

Former Chinese ambassador to Jamaica, Tian Qi, mentioned the signing of a cooperation plan for the Belt and Road Initiative during Holness' visit to China in November 2019. This move expressed confidence in ushering in a new era of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project represents the first China-Jamaica collaborative effort since Jamaica's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthening the bond between the two nations and promoting people-to-people exchanges.

Upon completion, this project will connect vital cities such as Kingston, May Pen and Mandeville, serving as a key channel for advancing the integrated development of eastern and western Jamaica.

Throughout the project, Jamaican government officials have demonstrated a high level of attention and visited the construction site. Holness visited the first section of the project in July 2022, expressing approval at the progress made and underscoring the importance of the continued cooperation between China and Jamaica for regional economic development.

Over the past decade, the percentage of Jamaican employees at CHEC has steadily risen, and the company plans to continue to increase its Jamaican workforce. This includes 90 percent of unskilled construction workers and 50 percent of technicians to be Jamaican, said Lu Yunpeng, general manager of CHEC's Americas division.

Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the CHEC construction team has adhered to pandemic prevention and control measures while enhancing risk management and providing anti-pandemic training to all staff members.

In addition to its infrastructure construction efforts, CHEC is dedicated to corporate social responsibility and benefiting local residents.

The project management team has conducted various charitable activities in Jamaica, such as refurbishing a preschool center, donating medical supplies to Margaret Hospital and contributing to Alexander Basic School.

In August 2022, China's Ambassador to Jamaica Chen Daojiang commended CHEC for its decadelong commitment to the Jamaican market, overcoming challenges and delivering high-quality infrastructure projects.

In September 2023, the opening ceremony of the West-East Highway Extension from May Pen to Williamsfield marked the completion of this section of the highway.

This achievement is poised to enhance transportation for the city and surrounding communities, spurring economic development along the route and promoting comprehensive development in both the eastern and western regions of Jamaica.

The prime minister noted that the highway's opening will drive the development of resources and economic growth in Jamaica's eastern and western regions, assisting interconnection in tourism, commerce, and trade between the east and west coasts.

Jiang Huazhong, chief engineer of CHEC's Americas division, highlighted the collaborative spirit and determination symbolized by the Southern Coastal Improvement Highway Part A, expressing CHEC's commitment to Jamaica's sustainable development through improved transport infrastructure.

CHEC remains dedicated to contributing to Jamaica's ongoing development, seeking investments and opportunities aligned with Jamaica's vision as a preferred place to live, work, raise families and conduct business.

The company's efficient and professional services are poised to have a profound effect on Jamaica's future infrastructure development and overall growth.