Steps to Rail Project Among Several Initiatives Implemented by MP For East Portland

Residents, who have difficulty traversing the rugged mountainous terrain in East Portland, have been getting assistance with moving around through a ‘Steps to Rail’ project.

Under the project, which was instituted by Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency, Dr. Lynvale Bloomfield, several steps and rails have been constructed in areas which posed a great challenge to vulnerable groups such as the disabled and the elderly.

Dr. Bloomfield highlighted this initiative, as one of several ongoing developments in his constituency, during his contribution to the State of Constituency Debate in the House of Representatives on September 9.

He noted that this infrastructure have been placed at Shanty Town in Berridale; David Lane, Bread Lane, and Cemetery Lane in Port Antonio; as well as Gully at Cornwall Barracks. He said the intention is to expand the project to other areas across the constituency.

Turning to other aspects of infrastructural development, the MP informed that the $1.87 billion Port Antonio Water Sewerage and Drainage project has been implemented; and several roads have been repaired at a cost of $145 million.

Dr. Bloomfield further pointed out that great emphasis has been placed on improving the educational outcomes of the constituency, noting that over $5 million is allocated each year to education.

He noted that the $1.95 million Grade Four to Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) online study programme in nine primary schools has greatly improved the GSAT results in the constituency.

In addition, he informed that various upgrade works have been undertaken in several schools including the addition of new blocks, and fencing.

Another accomplishment the MP pointed to is the $30 million repair of rafting facilities on the Rio Grande through the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF). This also includes the rehabilitation of the craft village, the Neville Antonio Park facility and the Boston Beach.

Several health facilities have also been enhanced including the Port Antonio Hospital; as well as the Port Antonio and Fair Prospect health centres. In addition, the MP informed that the Manchioneal health centre is about to be refurbished at a cost of $12 million.

Dr. Bloomfield also noted that a beekeeping project has also been established in the constituency, where adults are trained to manage their own business.

He also informed that increased effort is being placed on improving the constituency’s agricultural output, especially in terms of banana production.

“Other niche market agricultural products are also being focused on, for example, coffee, cocoa, coconuts, breadfruit, mangoes and ackee,” he said.

The MP further noted that the Bamboo Growers’ Association is being strengthened, and that through, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority “we intend to promote new green technologies.”

He noted as well than an agro-processing plant is to be established at Millbank very shortly.