CHEC plays leading role in updating infrastructure of Caribbean country

China Harbour Engineering Company, or CHEC, a leading project contractor, has made significant progress in the development of infrastructure in Jamaica, helping inject robust momentum into the island nation's economy through major construction projects.

Jamaica, a world-renowned tourist destination, has long seen its tourism industry contribute nearly 30 percent to its GDP, yet it has been hampered by outdated infrastructure.

Since 2009, CHEC has undertaken nearly 20 major infrastructure projects in Jamaica, playing a vital role in advancing local socioeconomic development.

The Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project, the sixth road project undertaken by CHEC in Jamaica, is the country's key national strategic effort. Stretching 27 kilometers, the project officially commenced in September 2022, with its groundbreaking ceremony jointly hosted by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica Chen Daojiang.

As a critical component of the road project, the Montego Bay Bridge spans a length of 187 meters with a deck width of 19.8 meters, making it the longest river-crossing bridge in Jamaica. During its construction, high-strain pile testing technology and a remote monitoring system for the bridge girder launchers were applied for the first time.

In October 2024, Holness paid a special visit to inspect the road project. He highly praised its construction progress, technological innovations and quality control system, emphasizing the project is a key initiative for Jamaica's "infrastructure modernization".

In addition to the road construction, CHEC has played a crucial role in establishing the UWI/CHEC Collaboration Material Testing Laboratory, which obtained ISO 17025 international quality management system certification in April. The laboratory has become one of the largest engineering facilities in the Caribbean region. Co-established by CHEC and the University of the West Indies, it meets the testing needs of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project while also undertaking the mission of local talent development. By adhering to international standards to optimize its management system, the scientific and authoritative nature of the laboratory's test data has been recognized by the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation.

According to CHEC, the laboratory aims to provide technical support throughout the Caribbean region and plans to apply for AASHTO Accreditation Program, which recognizes the competency of thousands of testing laboratories to perform specific tests on construction materials to achieve even higher standards.

Building on the road project, CHEC has taken on construction of Jamaica's SPARK Road Rehabilitation Programme. As the country's largest comprehensive road improvement project by investment scale in recent years, it aims to enhance the nation's main highways, local roads and associated water facilities. CHEC's involvement will expedite progress of the project and bring "Chinese expertise" in terms of technology, management and local collaboration, the company said.

Since entering Jamaica in 2009, CHEC has adhered to the principle of localization. According to the company, the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project has generated job opportunities for more than 1,000 local residents and has developed hundreds of professional talents in the fields of road construction and laboratory testing through a worker training and certification program.

The project team has also fulfilled social responsibilities by repairing kindergartens, offering medical supplies and supporting primary education. All of CHEC's projects in Jamaica focus on infrastructure development and incorporate social responsibility into their core values, empowering local communities through a model combining infrastructure and livelihood.

CHEC executives said the road and SPARK projects exemplify the principles of consultation, cooperation and shared benefits, adding: "As these projects progress, 'roads to prosperity' will continue to invigorate the economy, inject new momentum into the Vision 2030 Jamaica — National Development Plan, and provide sustainable development solutions for the Caribbean region through Chinese expertise."