“Publish the Methodology”: Cousins demands answers on $25 Billion SPARK Road Selections

Opposition Spokesperson on Land and Works, Mr Lothan Cousins, MP, is calling on the Government to explain the methodology used to select projects under Phase Two of the $25 billion SPARK Main Roads Programme, arguing that the published allocations raise serious concerns about fairness and equitable investment across Jamaica.

According to the National Works Agency’s (NWA) published project listings, $12.01 billion, nearly half of the programme’s total budget, is concentrated in the Corporate Area and St. Catherine, while many rural and agricultural parishes have received little or no investment. Of that amount, $7 billion has been allocated to just two major Corporate Area projects, the Dunrobin Avenue expansion and the Washington Boulevard/Molynes Road improvement project. “The inclusion of a brand-new greenfield project like the Dunrobin extension raises important questions about whether the published selection criteria were applied consistently. If the programme was selected solely through an objective, data-driven approach, then the inclusion of a brand-new greenfield project requires a clear explanation,” Cousins said.

The Opposition also questioned the overall scope of the programme, noting that SPARK Phase Two is expected to rehabilitate only 170 kilometres of roadway, just 3.4% of the approximately 5,000 kilometres of roads on the NWA’s main road register, leaving 96.6% of the network untouched.

Cousins further pointed to what he described as significant disparities in project allocations. He noted that St. Andrew West Central has been allocated $280 million for the Seaward Drive to Olympic Way corridor, alongside the major Washington Boulevard/Molynes Road works, while East Rural St. Andrew has also received $280 million for the Cooperage to Gordon Town to Mavis Bank corridor. “When some constituencies receive multiple flagship allocations while entire rural parishes receive none, it is reasonable to ask whether the selection process was truly impartial. The Government should publish the methodology used so Jamaicans can have confidence in the programme’s fairness.”

Cousins also expressed concern that several projects appear to be proceeding before critical engineering work has been completed. “By acknowledging that execution will take a year or more to commence, the administration has effectively admitted that final engineering designs, surveys and utility assessments remain incomplete. It is imprudent to commit billions of dollars in public funds based on preliminary estimates before the necessary technical work has been finalised.”

He warned that this approach risks repeating the implementation challenges experienced under the SPARK Community Roads Programme.

The Opposition also expressed concern that hurricane-affected south-western parishes have been overlooked in the latest announcement. St. Elizabeth received no allocation, while Westmoreland remains significantly underserved despite the extensive damage sustained and the importance of both parishes to Jamaica’s agricultural sector.

Cousins rejected any suggestion that responsibility for these communities should fall to the newly established National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA). “NaRRA’s mandate is centred on long-term climate resilience and specialised reconstruction. It was never intended to replace the Government’s responsibility to provide equitable funding for road rehabilitation through national programmes such as SPARK.”

Cousins called on the Government to publish the full project selection methodology, restore consultation with Members of Parliament and ensure that future investments are distributed fairly across the country. “The constituency consultation model used during the initial phase should be restored. It is difficult to understand why Members of Parliament have been excluded from the process at a time when the Opposition’s representation has doubled to 28 seats. Jamaicans deserve confidence that national infrastructure investments are being guided by need, fairness and transparency.”