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Q1. |
What is a BOOT
Scheme? |
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A1. |
A BOOT Scheme
which is the acronym for Build Own
Operatte Transfer Scheme used in
concession arrangements BOT - means build,
operate and transfer. In the case of Highway
2000, the project is using this model
whereby the contractor (concessionaire) will
be responsible not only to build the highway
but also to operate and maintain it as well.
After an agreed period the contractor will
hand over the project to the Government,
at no charge. Thereafter the Government
assumes its' operations and maintenance.
This BOT model also allows for a partnership
between the public and private sectors based
on an optimum risk sharing arrangements
between both parties.
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Q2. |
Highway 2000
will be the largest construction project
ever to be undertaken in Jamaica. Are there
suitable materials in Jamaica? |
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A2. |
As part of the
technical preparation for Highway 2000, a
study was undertaken on available materials
from quarries; sources of cement and
asphalt.
The
objective of the study was to collect
information on the quality and availibilty
of aggregates and fill material for the
construction and maintenance of the highway.
Some fill material to be used during
construction would be available from
excavations. To optimize construction
operations, it may be necessary to choose
between sources of granular and fill
material from existing and new quarries. The
study indicated a total of 56 quarries along
a 20km wide corridor within the proposed
alignment where material should have good to
excellent potential for use as aggregates.
Thirty of these quarries identified are
within the first phase of the project, 12
quarries are found along phase 2a and the
remainder, 14 along Phase 2b.
Laboratory
testing on samples have been done both
locally and overseas. The materials were
tested to determine their specific gravity
and absorption of aggregates, resistance to
degradation, determination to flakiness and
elongation, detection of Alkali-silica,
organic impurity and their overall quality.
Quarrying
will be done in accordance to Government
guidelines and only taken from approved
quarries with the requisite quality
materials.
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Q3. |
Why is this
current alignment the preferred one? |
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A3. |
Approximately
six corridors were assessed by Dessau Soprin
(French-Canadian company contracted to
provide an illustrative solution for Highway
2000). In using the least constraining
methodology various factors were considered.
These include mainly the location of
population centers, environmentally
sensitive and protected areas and terrain.
The alignment chosen, therefore, minimizes
the need to relocate persons and is the most
environmentally friendly.
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Q4. |
Is Highway
2000 the same as the North Coast Highway? |
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A4. |
Highway 2000
will be a 230 km tolled expressway linking
Kingston/Portmore to Montego Bay and Bushy
Park to St Ann. The North Coast Highway
Project is entirely different as it involves
the widening of the north coast roadway from
Negril to St Ann. Highway 2000 commuters
will be able to link the North Coast Highway
from Montego Bay or St Ann.
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Q5. |
What is meant
by H2k having limited access? |
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A5. |
Access to
Highway 2000 will only be possible from
designated entrance/exit points along the
route and commuters will be charged a fee
for its use. Vehicles will be traveling at
high speeds and therefore no slow moving
vehicles or pedestrians will be allowed to
freely use the road. For safety reasons the
entire corridor of the highway will be
fenced on both sides. Rest stops and
shopping facilities will (remove the word
'only') be available at certain locations.
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Q6. |
Who will
control toll rates? |
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A6. |
Toll rates
will be set within a certain range,
providing a ceiling above which rates cannot
exceed without authorization. A body similar
to the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR)
will be set up to monitor the fluctuation of
rates. Rates will be pegged to the US
dollar.
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Q7. |
Why should I
pay to drive on a road? |
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A7. |
Highway 2000
will be the first toll road in Jamaica, a
concept which is very popular world-wide.
Highway 2000 will:
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Significantly reduce the travel time
between urban centers
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Provide an improved road transportation
system
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Increase road safety and lower vehicle
operating costs and,
- Open
the interior of the country for
development opportunities mainly in
agriculture, information technology and
housing.
Tolls
collected will be used to assist with the
operation and maintenance of the road, in
addition to the recovery of capital
expenditure.
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Q8. |
Who will
control the allocation of work? |
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A8. |
Highway 2000
is a concessionary project which will be
awarded to one of the international
companies who are bidding for its award. The
successive applicant will thereafter have to
engage the services of various skilled
persons locally. At the appointed time
interested persons will be informed of the
employment process.
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Q9. |
Why undertake
such a project during this period of
economic instability? Why not spend the
funds in other needed areas? |
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A9. |
Although the
country is experiencing difficulties in some
areas of the economy, such phenomenon is not
only peculiar to Jamaica. Based on the
benefits of Highway 2000, it is expected to
provide opportunities for employment,
housing, commerce and information technology
development. According to a World Bank
study, investment in highways during 1973
- 1992, has brought the most significant
economic returns (29%) than any other
project.
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Q10. |
Some persons
are unaware about this project? When will
the public be notified about the proposed
alignment? |
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A10. |
The Highway
2000 communication project will commence
after the selection of the
contractor/concessionaire. The programme
entails community meetings, the
dissemination of brochures and the posting
of the alignment at post offices and public
information centers. A website and email
facilities will also be accessible.
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Q11. |
How will
Highway 2000 be financed? |
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A11. |
Currently the
financial advisors for the project are
assessing the financial model to be used.
The estimated cost of the project is US$850M
to be utilized over five (5) years. This
calculates at approximately US$170M per
year. Added to this is the fact that the
first phase of the project (Kingston -
Mandeville) will cost approximately US$300M,
an amount our traffic/revenue advisors have
indicated will be recoverable through the
charging of tolls. The sources of funds to
fund the highway include equity from the
Concessionaire/Contractor, loans obtained by
the Concessionaire/Contractor from
international sources and multi-lateral
institutions and infrastructure bonds to be
issued by the National Road Operating &
Construction Company (NROCC).
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