MTW to receive at least US$52mn budget for 2011

Jamaica's government will allocate at least J$4.48bn (US$52.2mn) to the transport and works ministry (MTW) under its 2011 budget. While the country's annual budget has been cut by some J$262mn, it includes provisions to ensure sufficient funds for public works and transport projects, as well as repairs to the damage caused by tropical storm Nicole, state news service JIS reported. MTW will receive J$2bn to purchase 100 new buses for the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) which operates public transport in capital Kingston's metropolitan area (KMA). The ministry will also receive J$700mn for the Bogue road expansion project, J$280mn for the national infrastructure development program (JDIP) and J$1.5bn for drainage work in the KMA. Some J$1bn has been allocated to repair storm damage, with J$231mn to be used for removing silt and debris from critical storm drains. MTW will also receive J$100mn for urban road improvements, J$88mn for bridge projects and J$200mn to clean up canals and ravines.