Throughout 2023, a wide range of rural communities benefitted from Government projects in areas such as housing, road and water infrastructure, and disaster management.
Among the benefits to citizens in rural Jamaica were road rehabilitation projects, the construction of a new fire station, handover of indigent houses, renovation of infirmaries and opening of night shelters, beautification of towns, and rehabilitation of a transport centre.
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Several Projects Benefit Rural Communities
Through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, the Government implemented initiatives in rural communities islandwide.
The Ministry increased the level of service delivery to enhance the quality of life of vulnerable citizens, even as the nation’s economy improved.
Night shelters were opened in Trelawny, St. Ann and Clarendon, while several infirmaries were renovated.
The Jamaica Fire Brigade’s (JFB) response capabilities were expanded in St. Mary with the opening of the new $258 million fire station in Port Maria, and commencement of the $70 million upgrading works at the Annotto Bay Fire Station. Another $70 million was spent to renovate the Black River Fire Station in St. Elizabeth, while a new station is slated for construction in Ulster Spring, Trelawny.
Houses for indigent persons were handed over in St. Mary, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. Elizabeth and Manchester, all equipped with rainwater catchment facilities and solar panels.
The water supply system in Watermount, St. Catherine, was upgraded at a cost of $220 million and commissioned into service to benefit over 7,000 residents. Water shops established at strategic locations in rural towns also increased access to potable water.
In Manchester, water storage capacity was boosted by 56,000 gallons with the installation of two shops. A 16,000-gallon water shop, valued $14 million, was commissioned in Mile Gully, while a 40,000-gallon facility was installed in Somerset.
Water shops valued $35.5 million, with a combined storage capacity of over 70,000 gallons, were commissioned in Portland, St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland.
Market rehabilitation projects were also a feature of the Ministry of Local Government’s work in 2023. The Savanna-la-Mar Market in Westmoreland was rehabilitated at a cost of $17 million, while the $100 million multiphase renovation of the Charles Gordon Market in St. James commenced.
Other projects to benefit rural communities included:
• A $22 million contract signed for Trysee Road rehabilitation
• Rural Water Supply Limited handed over a water harvesting system to Springfield Primary and Infant School
• Funds allocated for the Port Maria Tsunami Early Warning System
• Remedial work and improved drainage system undertaken in Runaway Bay and its environs, and
• Several towns in Hanover benefited from the ‘Paint The City’ Initiative
