China Harbour putting down roots

Caught up in a storm not of its own making, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) is pushing ahead with what it does best - infrastructural projects.

CHEC, one of the largest construction companies in the world, is the lead contractor for two of the Government's major road projects, the Palisadoes Shoreline Protection and Rehabilitation Works and the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP).

Both projects have attracted much criticisms since they were launched with question marks surrounding several aspects of the implementation.

The ambitious JDIP programme has come under the most fire with the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) saying it is being implemented on a political basis.

The Opposition has also announced that it is to seek audience with Chinese officials in Jamaica to point out the folly which surrounds the US$400-million programme.

However, China Harbour says it is trying to stay far from the controversy, even as it continues to implement the work.

"CHEC is investing millions of dollars towards the development of Jamaica and (we are) committed to carrying out its projects to the best of its abilities," said Harold Minott, human resources manager of CHEC.

"We welcome local labour and have always included Jamaicans in our projects," Minott added.

Allegations of extortion

His comments came last week following a meeting called to discuss allegations that extortionists were making unreasonable demands and threats at the Palisadoes project.

It was alleged that community liaison officers were demanding huge sums in payment, fewer Chinese workers on the site and threatening mayhem if their demands were not met.

Coming out of the meeting, CHEC announced that it gave a commitment to use local labour supplied by the liaison officers to do low-skilled and unskilled jobs while Chinese workers would supervise the technical aspects.

CHEC also agreed to use more local labourers despite the equipment intensive nature of the project which includes the construction of a two-lane highway, shoreline protection and drainage.

"We remain open to constant dialogue with our partners and the community liaison officers," said Minott.

CHEC also undertook to provide safety equipment for workers including helmets and boots and to draft work rules and regulations for the site.

"As part of our social development policy CHEC has invested in the future of Jamaica to transfer the knowledge and experience of infrastructural development by staging two free training seminars for persons who are in the field."

CHEC has set up its head office for Latin America in Jamaica and last week won a contract for the construction of two 720-metre container berth coastlines, a 28.5-hectare container yard, an integrated transportation area in Mexico.