SPARK completion deadline extended to May 31, 2027

Durrant Pate/Contributor

The completion deadline for the government’s much-heralded road rehabilitation and reconstruction programme, SPARK has been extended to March 31, 2027.

Minister with Responsibility for Works, Robert Morgan, who made the announcement in parliament yesterday, explained that the extension is based on the current scheduling and implementation realities. SPARK, which is the acronym for Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network, is a 2-year programme, originally scheduled to be completed in December 30, 2026.

Since works commenced on December 31, 2024, the programme has continued to gather momentum. As of April 2026, implementation stands at approximately 26 per cent completion. 

Works orders issued

Nine work orders valued at J$18.39 billion have been issued, covering 369 roads across four major packages. Construction has commenced on 210 roads, 109 roads have already been completed, and expenditure has reached approximately J$8.9 billion.

In giving an update on the programme in his Sectoral Debate presentation, Minister Morgan reported that since works commenced on December 31, 2024, the programme has continued to gather momentum. As of April 2026, implementation stands at approximately 26 per cent completion.

“Nine work orders valued at $18.39 billion have been issued, covering 369 roads across four major packages. Construction has commenced on 210 roads, 109 roads have already been completed, and expenditure has reached approximately J$8.9 billion,” he told Gordon House.

Morgan trumpeted that while SPARK is transforming road access in communities and along selected main corridors, the Government is also advancing major capital infrastructure projects that are reshaping mobility, commerce, tourism, and regional development. “That is why the major capital programme is focused not only on road construction, but on economic connectivity,” the Works Minister reported.

SPARK contract arrangement 

Turning to the SPARK contract arrangement, Morgan told parliament that the Government entered into a programme delivery contract, but implementation was always designed to proceed in phases through work orders. This, he argued, allows for sequencing, oversight, quality control, and responsible management of resources as work moves across the island.

The contract provides for a 24-month execution period, supported by an additional 12-month Defects Notification Period for quality assurance and post-construction remediation where necessary. 

According to the Works Minister, “I know that people want the work done quickly. So do I. But speed without quality is not success. SPARK is a rehabilitation and reconstruction programme built on modern engineering standards, improved drainage, stronger pavement structures, better utility coordination, and long-term value for money.”