MBJ Airports Limited is investing USD 12m to improve the taxiway infrastructure at Sangster International Airport (SIA), thereby ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of operations and positioning Jamaica’s leading international gateway for sustained growth.

MBJ has awarded a USD 12m contract for the rehabilitation of the airport taxiway to Jamaican owned and operated S&G Road Surfacing Materials, which will employ 150 Jamaicans throughout the 10-month construction period. The rehabilitation works will not interrupt normal day-to-day operations at the airport.

The Mandeville-based company will be responsible for the removal and reconstruction of parts of the taxiway as well as the redesign, resurfacing and widening of other sections, according to standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The taxiway rehabilitation project forms part of a structured airport maintenance program being carried out in accordance with the terms of MBJ’s 30-year operating concession with the Government of Jamaica. MBJ has a USD 40m budget for the five-year period ending 2020 to carry out maintenance and improvement works under the program.

S&G Road Surfacing Materials emerged as the winning bidder for the project following a comprehensive tender process that attracted several qualified construction firms. S&G submitted the most competitive bid and demonstrated its team’s professionalism and experience in executing projects of similar scope across Jamaica. The company’s portfolio of completed projects includes roadways, roundabouts and related infrastructure for the likes of National Works Agency, Gore Development and China Harbour Engineering.

“Sangster International Airport is a critical national asset that must be continuously improved to ensure public safety and Jamaica’s competitiveness,” said MBJ Airports CEO Rafael Echevarne. “We are pleased to be working with S&G on this project and are confident in the company’s ability to exceed our expectations and complete the taxiway rehabilitation works to spec and on time,” the CEO added.

“S&G Road Surfacing Materials is delighted to be the successful contractor for these works that will provide direct employment to approximately 150 people and indirect employment to countless others,” said Project Commercial Director Marlon Symister. “We are committed to working together as a team with MBJ, the project consultants and all other related parties to safely execute these works in accordance with the conditions of contract at the highest standard, in a timely manner and within budget,” Symister added.