Road rehabilitation projects have been awarded to 365 women to date as part of the government’s nationwide road development programme, according to information from the Ministry of Public Works, a Department of Public Information (DPI) press release has said.
The DPI statement outlined that in Region Four alone, $11.5 billion were allocated for road improvements, with women making up 216 of the 673 small contractors. Region Five saw 29 women awarded contracts as part of the $2.7 billion investment to rehabilitate 191 roads. In Region Six, another 120 women joined the sector, the release said.
Expressing optimism about the initiative, Shevon Parks told the DPI that she believes it will have a meaningful impact on the lives of women small contractors. “It is an excellent initiative that the government is doing targeting small contractors, especially women because often small contractors are deemed inexperienced. Now that we are gaining experience, it will elevate us,” Parks was quoted as saying.
Mother of two, Leanna Yearwood was quoted as saying, “It is giving women the opportunity to flourish in a male-dominated field. This initiative will help me build my business and provide for my children.” Sharing similar sentiments, Alison Mohamed highlighted that the initiative was empowering women of all ages. “You know there was a time when women were not open to this field of construction and now, we are given an opportunity to grow more. So, I am excited to be a part of this venture,” she told the DPI.
The release said that the road development was part of a broader strategy by the government to expand its contractor base. According to the DPI, since the return of the PPP/C Government to office in August 2020, nearly 2,000 new contractors have joined the industry, adding to the growing network of local expertise.
Contracts under this initiative are expected to be completed by December and although some roads will be worked on in sections to maintain access for residents, DPI said that the ministry was assuring the public of full completion. Contractors are required to conduct strength tests on concrete, which must meet a standard of 4,500 pounds per square inch (PSI) for durability. Failure to meet these standards will result in contract cancellation without compensation. To ensure transparency and community involvement, contractors and engineers will work closely with residents, who will be invited to monitor the progress, the release said. This approach, DPI said, aims to foster a sense of ownership and pride within the communities benefiting from the infrastructure upgrades.
