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KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – The Cabinet has approved a contract amounting to US$1.45 million for the manufacture and delivery of one aircraft rescue, a fire-fighting vehicle and other rescue equipment for the Norman Manley International airport.
Information Minister, Sandrea Falconer, told journalists that under the rules of the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Norman Manley International Airport is to operate three aircraft rescue and fire-fighting vehicles, to meet the airport’s rescue and fire-fighting capability.
She also announced Cabinet’s approval of recommendations in connection with plans to place lights in a section of the tourist capital of Montego Bay known as the Elegant Corridor.
“There have been safety concerns for some time due to speeding and the absence of street lights, poor night time visibility and an increased number of road accidents. The recommendations include the option of having bidders submit proposals for either grid powered or solar powered LED street lights,” Falconer explained.
She said the bidders for the solar option will be asked to submit indicative costs for operation and maintenance for a period of five years.
According to the Information Minister, each solution has advantages and disadvantages. “With the grid solution, the JPSCo (the light and power company) would deal with maintenance related issues. However, it will attract electricity and other maintenance charges. For the solar solution, there would be no recurring electricity charges; however, ownership and maintenance would be a challenge as the JPSCo would not be willing to assume this responsibility,” she said.
She pointed out that a decision on the option to be used will be made after an analysis of the tenders received.
The funds for the project will be provided by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), while the National Works Agency (NWA) will oversee the implementation.
