Opposition Spokesman on Land and Works, Lothan Cousins, says Transport Minister Daryl Vaz must provide full transparency regarding the planned expansion of the Mammee Bay Toll Plaza in St. Ann.
The government announced on Thursday that two additional toll lanes are under construction at Mammee Bay.
Once finished, they are expected to reduce the traffic pile-up during peak weekend periods on the Caymanas to Ocho Rios leg of the highway.
Cousins notes that the government has provided no details about the contractual basis for the project or how it will be financed.
He is calling on the government to disclose whether the expansion is being undertaken as a grantor variation under the concession agreement and whether the project will be funded by the government or the concessionaire.
He also wants disclosure on whether the works are intended to enable the operator to satisfy its contractual obligation to maintain the required level of service.
Cousins also wants to know if public funds are being used and how that decision represents value for money for Jamaican taxpayers.
The Opposition Spokesman says the government owes the Jamaican people clear answers, as transparency and accountability cannot be optional when public money and future toll increases are involved.
Transport Minister, Daryl Vaz, has sought to clarify that the planned expansion of the Mammee Bay Toll Plaza forms part of plans announced by the Prime Minister during the Budget Debate.
