Clarendon Community to Benefit from $100.5 Million Development Projects

The community of Bucknor in Central Clarendon is to benefit from two major projects valued at $100.5 million, which will entail the rehabilitation of the road and water network in the community and the construction of a multipurpose centre.
The projects, which are being funded by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), through its Inner City Basic Services Project (ICBSP), were officially launched in the community on February 11.
Providing details, JSIF board member, Prudence Kidd-Deans, said that the Bucknor Integrated Infrastructure Package, estimated to cost $44 million, would entail construction and rehabilitation of water systems, roads and storm water drains. JSIF will provide $42.8 million of the project cost, with the community contributing $1.15 million through sweat equity. The works should be completed in 18 months.
Meanwhile, the 600 square-metre multi-purpose centre will consist of a meeting hall, library, shops, kitchen, office and male and female restrooms, and is slated to be constructed over a 12-month period at a projected cost of $56.5 million. JSIF will provide $53.5 million, with the community contributing $3 million in kind.
“Upon completion of these two projects.the residents of Bucknor will be able to travel safely, have better access to potable water, weather torrential downpours better and have a community hub in the form of the multipurpose centre, to better carry out the business of community development,” Mrs. Kidd-Deans stated.
The ICBSP is part of the Government of Jamaica’s Inner City Renewal Programme, which is aimed at improving the physical, social, and economic infrastructure in 12 targeted communities in Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon and St. James.
Funding for the programme is being provided through a grant from the Government of Japan and a soft loan of US$29.3 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), with the Government of Jamaica providing counterpart funding of US$3.5 million.
JSIF was established in 1996 as part of the Government’s National Poverty Eradication Programme.