Phase two under way

Noel Thompson, Hospitality Jamaica Writer

ADVANCED WORK is now in progress on sections of Phase two of the expansion project under way at the Sangster International Airport, despite being scheduled to officially start in mid January.

Prime Minister PJ Patterson (left), unveils a plaque to commemorate the official opening of the Sangster International eastern concourse, on December 16. Looking on are Chairman of MBJ Airports Franco Montalbetti (second right) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jorge Sales.

Project scheduler Jim Wilson said the advanced stage was in respect of work undertaken around the electrical system on the terminal building in early 2005.

With phase one being completed six weeks ahead of schedule and within budget, Hospitality Jamaica questioned Mr. Wilson as to whether or not it was likely that the public could see a similar scenario with phase two.

"All of the work being done on the project since it started over the past three years has been done within the allotted time for each stage and our contractor is getting much better at getting materials in and organising their trade and labour so I have no doubt that we will meet our schedule," Mr. Wilson said.

"We are currently comfortably operating within budget so I see no reasons why his trend should not continue," he added.

Phase2 will be done in six stages at a cost of between US$65,000 and $70,000 and will see the complete rebuilding of the old terminal building and the expansion of the ground transportation hall by approximately 10,000 square metres.

There will be general rearrangements of parking lots and pick up and drop-off points, as well as an overall rearrangement of the interior facilities, according to the project scheduler.

Responding to queries regarding how this would affect the local workforce, Mr. Wilson said there was a considerable involvement of local labour on the project, which included tradesmen, labourers and sub-contractors. He cited therefore that this could be an advantage to the construction industry in Montego Bay and surrounding areas.

"We are building a larger terminal, so there will be more retail spaces, which means an increase in employment including private security, as there will be more facilities to accommodate immigration and customs operations," He stated.