Old Harbour Bay to Get Major Infrastructure Overhaul: $500M Ro...

Old Harbour Bay to Get Major Infrastructure Overhaul: $500M Road and Drainage Project Begins in 2026

You know that feeling when you’ve been waiting years for something, and it finally looks like it’s happening? That’s exactly where Old Harbour, St. Catherine, is right now. The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation just dropped some big news—a J$500 million infrastructure project is set to kick off in early 2026. We’re talking about fixing flooding, sorting out bad roads, and finally getting proper drainage in places like Old Harbour Bay, Freetown, and Bushy Park.

This isn’t some small patch-up job either. Officials are calling it one of the biggest single investments the parish has ever seen. And honestly, Old Harbour needs it. The town has been growing like crazy over the last ten years—new homes, new shops, new everything—but the roads and drains just haven’t kept up.

The Scope of the Project

So, what exactly are we getting for that half-a-billion dollars? According to documents HowJamaica.com got its hands on, here’s the breakdown:

• Rebuilding 5.2 km of main roads with reinforced concrete and asphalt
• Laying over 3 km of new drainage channels and culverts
• Upgrading water mains to stop all that wastage and fix low pressure
• Building sidewalks and pedestrian crossings where people actually need them
• Putting in solar-powered street lights in the Old Harbour Bay fishing village

This whole thing is part of the Government’s Shared Prosperity Through Infrastructure Programme—basically, they’re focusing on communities that have been left behind. Dr. Norman Dunn, the local MP, confirmed the money’s already in the 2025/2026 national budget. The National Works Agency (NWA) will be running the show.

“This is not just about roads; it’s about dignity and opportunity,” Dr. Dunn said at a town hall meeting on December 10, 2025. “For years, Old Harbour Bay has been neglected. When it rains, families can’t get to school or work. This project will change that.”

Why Old Harbour? A Town at a Crossroads

Old Harbour used to be this quiet little fishing and farming spot. Not anymore. It’s turned into a full-on commercial hub. Why? Because it’s only about 45 minutes from Kingston, and the Highway 2000 corridor has made it super attractive for new housing developments, shopping centres, and industrial parks. The population has ballooned to over 30,000 people, and the old infrastructure is basically screaming for help.

Take Marcia Thompson, for example. She runs a hardware store on Main Street, and she told HowJamaica.com that flooding has cost her thousands in lost stock over the years. “Every time there’s a heavy rain, the water comes up to my shop door. I’ve lost inventory, and customers can’t even park. This project gives me hope that things will finally improve.”

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Timeline and Phasing

The work will happen in three phases over 18 months. Here’s how it’s looking:

• Phase 1 (January – June 2026): Drainage and water main upgrades in Old Harbour Bay and Freetown. Expect some traffic headaches on Harbour Road and Church Lane.
• Phase 2 (July – October 2026): Road reconstruction and sidewalk installation on Main Street and Bushy Park Road. Detours will be set up.
• Phase 3 (November 2026 – June 2027): Final asphalt paving, street lighting, and landscaping. There’ll be a community clean-up and a handover ceremony to celebrate.

The NWA says they’ll try to keep disruptions to a minimum by working mostly during off-peak hours. Emergency services will always have access, so no worries there.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

It’s not just about better roads. This project is expected to create over 200 direct jobs for local labourers, engineers, and equipment operators. And here’s the kicker—the Government has said at least 30% of contracts must go to small and medium-sized businesses from the Old Harbour area.

“This is a win-win. We fix the roads, and we put money in the pockets of our own people,” said project manager Michael Williams of the NWA. “We’re also training young people in construction and project management, so they can take those skills elsewhere.”

Local vendors and farmers are feeling good about it too. Better roads mean lower transport costs and less spoilage for produce. And proper drainage? That means homes and businesses won’t get wrecked every time it rains. Real estate agents are already saying they’re seeing more interest in properties along the project corridors.

Community Voices: Mixed Emotions, High Hopes

Look, not everyone is jumping for joy. Some folks are understandably wary. “We’ve heard promises before. I’ll believe it when I see the first truck of asphalt,” said retired fisherman Carlton Brown, who’s lived in Old Harbour Bay his whole life.

Others are worried about the construction mess. Will businesses have to close temporarily? Will people be displaced? The NWA says no homes will be demolished, but some businesses might need to adjust their hours. They’ve set up a community liaison committee to handle complaints as they come up.

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Looking Ahead: A Model for Other Communities?

Other parishes like St. Mary and Clarendon are watching this project closely. They’ve got similar problems with roads and drainage. If Old Harbour pulls this off, it could become a blueprint for how public-private partnerships should work.

“We’re not just fixing potholes; we’re building resilience,” said Minister of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Matthew Samuda, during a site visit in November 2025. “Climate change means more extreme weather. This project will ensure that Old Harbour can withstand the next storm and keep its people safe.”

So, Old Harbour is about to go through a major transformation. People are hopeful, but they’re also keeping their feet on the ground. The next couple of years will tell us if this investment really delivers. For now, the town is getting ready for the sound of jackhammers—and the hope that comes with them.

This article was reported by HowJamaica.com’s local affairs desk. For more updates on infrastructure projects across Jamaica, visit HowJamaica.com and follow us on social media.

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