Under the leadership of MP Heatha Miller-Bennett, the Hanover Western constituency is experiencing continued investment in infrastructure. Major programmes include the SPARK Road Rehabilitation Programme and the Government Road Patching Programme.
SPARK Road Rehabilitation Programme
The SPARK Programme (Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to Our Road Network) is a national road rehabilitation initiative focused on improving Jamaica’s road infrastructure. Through this programme, several roads in Hanover Western are being repaired and upgraded to improve safety, accessibility and connectivity for residents.
Timeline
The SPARK Road Rehabilitation programme was launched in December 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2027.
Launch
100%
Implementation
50%
Safe Roads
Safer and more reliable roads
Community Access
Improved access to rural communities
Lower Costs
Reduced transportation costs for residents and farmers
Boost Local Economy
Strengthened economic activity across the constituency
Askenish to Clifton Road
This roadway connects several rural communities and provides access to key educational institutions in the area.
Impact
Improved access to Askenish All Age School
Improved access to Clifton Primary School
Safer travel for students, teachers and residents
In Progress: Richmond to Cacoon Road
This road connects several major farming communities where a large portion of agricultural produce in Hanover is cultivated.
Impact
Easier transportation for farmers
Improved movement of produce to markets
Stronger support for the local agricultural economy
Malcolm Heights Road, Lucea Division
Rehabilitation works are underway on the roadway serving Malcolm Heights, located in the hills near Lucea Primary School.
Impact
Improved access for teachers and hundreds of students
Safer transportation for residents
Better connectivity between rural communities and the town of Lucea.
Upcoming: Blair Castle Road
Blair Castle Road serves a densely populated farming community but has suffered from years of neglect. Rehabilitation works are planned to improve accessibility for residents and farmers.
Expected Impact
Improved transportation for agricultural produce
Safer commuting for residents
Better access to essential services
Upcoming: Prosper Road
Prosper is a rapidly expanding hillside community overlooking the town of Lucea. Planned road improvements will support the continued growth and development of the area.
Expected Impact
Improved access to Lucea
Safer road conditions
Support for residential expansion and economic activity
Rugland
Rugland is a small farming community in the Riverside Division, home to a predominantly elderly population. Through the SPARK Programme, major repairs have been undertaken to improve the community’s infrastructure and enhance the daily lives of residents.
Expected Impact
Improved access to the community
Safer road conditions for residents
Government’s Road Patching Programme
In addition to major rehabilitation works, several heavily used roadways in the constituency are being addressed through the Government’s Road Patching Programme. This programme focuses on repairing potholes and deteriorated road sections to quickly improve road safety and extend the life of existing road infrastructure.
Kew to Negril Road
This roadway is one of the busiest transportation corridors in Hanover, serving residents, commuters and visitors traveling to Negril. It is also a critical route for students attending several major high schools in the parish.
Impact
Improved travel for residents and visitors
Safer driving conditions along a high-traffic corridor
Supports students attending: Rusea’s High School, Green Island High School, Rhodes Hall High School
Green Island to Glasgow Road
The road connecting Green Island to Glasgow serves approximately ten major communities and is a vital thoroughfare within the constituency. Expected completion date is December 2026.
Cessnock forms part of the main thoroughfare connecting Glasgow to Green Island. Sections of this important roadway are being rehabilitated under the Government’s GO Rehabilitation Project, improving connectivity and access for residents and commuters.
The roadway is an important link for school students and hotel workers.
Impact
Improved connectivity between communities
Safer and more convenient travel for students travelling to school and hotel workers commuting to their places of employment
Better access to services, schools and economic opportunities
Strengthening Flood Mitigation
Member of Parliament Heatha Miller-Bennett continues to demonstrate her commitment to infrastructure development and community resilience through a strategic partnership with the Hanover Municipal Corporation to rehabilitate and maintain the Venture Gutter in Lucea.
The Venture Gutter, a critical drainage channel running through the town, has long been a source of major flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. For years, this has impacted residents, disrupted commerce, and posed ongoing public health and safety concerns.
In October, ahead of seasonal rains, the gutter underwent comprehensive cleaning as part of a proactive flood mitigation effort. This intervention significantly improved water flow and reduced the immediate risk of flooding in key sections of the town.
The Riley River, located in the Keep Left area of Lucea, has also long been a major contributor to flooding across the town and wider parish of Hanover. For years, residents and business owners have faced repeated disruptions due to the river overflowing during periods of heavy rainfall.
A key factor behind this persistent issue is the large volume of bamboo washed downstream from upland communities such as Dundee Pen and Harvey River. These materials accumulate along the river channel and beneath bridges, obstructing the natural flow of water and causing it to back up into the town.
Venture Gutter
This initiative forms part of a sustained and forward-thinking programme aimed at long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. Through continued maintenance and monitoring, the project is expected to reduce flooding. Under the leadership of MP Miller-Bennett, this collaboration reflects a results-driven approach to governance—one that prioritizes preparedness, sustainability, and the everyday needs of the people of Western Hanover.
Impact
Significantly reduce flooding across Lucea
Protect homes, businesses, and public infrastructure
Improve sanitation and environmental health
Enhance the town’s resilience to extreme weather events
Support economic stability and community well-being
Riley River
In October 2025, Member of Parliament Heatha Miller-Bennett, in partnership with the National Works Agency (NWA) and the Hanover Municipal Corporation, led a major river-clearing initiative. This proactive intervention significantly improved water flow and helped to prevent severe flooding during the hurricane period. Recognizing that the Riley River presents a recurring challenge, this initiative is being treated as an ongoing priority rather than a one-time response.
Impact
Mitigate flooding by the continuous clearing and maintenance of the river
Reduce traffic and daily activity disruption due to flooding
Protecting surrounding infrastructure, including roads and bridges
Strengthening flood resilience in vulnerable communities
Limit flooding induced economic losses for local businesses and families
Garbage Removal
Member of Parliament Heatha Miller-Bennett continues her quest to keep Hanover Western clean. It's a promise she takes seriously and plans to keep. Her team and community volunteers have started organising clean-up drives across our communities, in addition to the clearing of blocked gullies and drains. A clean constituency means healthier families, fewer floods, and greater pride in Hanover Western, where we live.
Orange Bay
The clean up drive continued in Orange Bay where a major garbage disposal site was cleaned up with thanks to our team and partners.
Impact
Cut down on mosquito breeding sites and rodent populations, reducing the spread of dengue, leptospirosis, and other illnesses.
Improve water flow during heavy rains, protecting homes and roads from flood damage.
Reduce the amoutn of plastic washing into rivers and out to sea, protecting fishing grounds and marine life.
Support tourism based business by keeping roadsides and communitties clean, thus make a better impression on visitors.
A Sustainable Way Forward
These sustained approaches are expected to deliver meaningful and long-term benefits, including:
Reduced flooding in Lucea and surrounding areas
Improved safety for residents and motorists
Greater protection for businesses and livelihoods
Enhanced environmental management and sanitation
Through proactive leadership and forward-thinking solutions, MP Miller-Bennett is not only addressing the immediate flooding concerns but also working toward long-term, sustainable outcomes for the people of Western Hanover.
