Prime Minister Andrew Holness has warned that government will not allow the southern coastal highway improvement project to be taken over by thugs, criminals and dons.

The project, which is being undertaken by China Harbour Engineering Company, will see improvement work being done on the roadway from Harbour View in St. Andrew, through Cedar Valley in St. Thomas, into Port Antonio in Portland.

Addressing the official launch ceremony in Albion, St. Thomas this morning, Holness said the national project will be subjected to high levels of scrutiny and accountability.

The Prime Minister noted that for many residents of St. Thomas, the parish has been neglected with little or no development over many years.

He promised that with the road improvement project, that will change.