Christie hits obstacles in getting info on JDIP

CONTRACTOR GENERAL Greg Christie says his office has encountered "certain obstacles" in its quest to obtain information on the controversial Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP).

Under the programme, the China Export-Import Bank provided a loan of US$360 million to the Road Maintenance Fund to carry out road repairs islandwide.

Christie's comments come against the background of a request from Opposition Spokesman on Finance Dr Omar Davies, who had asked his office to audit the JDIP.

"I would wish to assure you that the OCG has been using its best efforts, since September 2010, to comprehensively monitor the implementation of the said project," Christie said in response to Davies' letter.

The contractor general said he had requested in writing the cooperation of the highest levels of the Government, the Ministry of Transport and Works, and the National Works Agency.

"However, the OCG has encountered certain obstacles in the pursuit of its endeavours. These have given rise to a number of very serious concerns and questions which the OCG itself now has regarding the administration and implementation of the project," Christie said yesterday in a release to the media.