CHEC promises to fix SCHIP road defects

China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has committed to addressing defects identified on any aspects of the Southern Coast Highway Improvement Programme (SCHIP) while taking full responsibility for works done by local subcontractors.

In a statement yesterday, CHEC said it understood its responsibility for quality control on the project, which has come in for criticism, specifically since motorists began noting the deterioration of sections of the roadway from Yallahs to Prospect and Morant Bay to Cedar Valley in St Thomas.

“CHEC understands its responsibility of quality control for all aspects of the project done under the South Coast Highway Improvement. Accordingly, CHEC also takes full responsibility for works done on the local component sections of the project significantly done by local subcontractors,” the company said.

“With that said, we will ensure that any defect identified is remedied in the shortest possible time at no additional cost to the Government of Jamaica. It is our intention to carry out these works with minimal impact and inconvenience to the travelling public.

“As it relates to the remedial works being undertaken between the Yallahs Salt Pond and Pamphret, please proceed with caution, obey posted warning signs and instructions of flags persons. It is our intention to have these works completed within the next three weeks.”

Last week, Robert Morgan, minister with responsibility for works, said during an interview with Radio Jamaica News that defects on the Southern Coastal Highway will be repaired as per the contract with CHEC.