(Trinidad Guardian) Twenty-seven thousand new jobs are set to stimulate the economy with the construction of two major projects being undertaken by the Ministry of Works. The announcement was made at a press conference on Saturday at the ministry’s head office on Richmond Street, Port-of-Spain. The projects—construction of the Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension to Point Fortin and the Mamoral Dam and Reservoir are expected to take place over a four-year period.While the two projects are estimated to cost Government TT$4.6 billion, its aim is to improve the lives of citizens.Boasting of the significant impact the project is expected to have on the economy, Works Minister Jack Warner said: “It is music to my ears when I hear 27,000 jobs are to be created. This is only the start to stimulating the economy.
Many more projects are going to start next year.” Finance Minister Winston Dookeran who was also present at the conference said the start of the two major projects was a step in the right direction. Dookeran said: “I am very confident that we will be able to source funding for this project.
We have had two years of flat negative growth in the industry. We are not saying all would happen immediately but surely it is a move to stimulate the economy especially in the construction industry.” Meanwhile, Warner also disclosed that while the displacement is expected to affect 197 families, plans are on stream to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to compensate the affected people and businesses.