Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the local municipalities have a vital role to play in ensuring that the various Town and Country regulations relating to planned housing and development are enforced. Speaking at the handover of 58 detached two-bedroom units at Castlewood in Granville, Trelawny, on October 17, the Prime Minister emphasised that this kind of oversight...

The Horizon Park Waste Treatment Plant in St. Catherine is to be expanded and upgraded to meet the long-term requirements for sewerage in that area. Cabinet has approved a US$2-million contract to Florida Aquastore and Utility Construction Inc, to undertake the works. Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, made the announcement during Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press...

The Government has purchased three new garbage trucks valued at approximately $74.7 million to boost the capabilities of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA). The units, valued at $24.9 million each, will serve the Metropolitan Parks and Markets region, comprising St. Catherine, Clarendon, Kingston and St. Andrew, and St. Thomas; Western Parks and Markets – Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James,...

Head of the United Nations (UN) Environment Caribbean Sub-Regional Office, Vincent Sweeney, says that a more collaborative approach will be taken to address waste management issues in the region. Mr. Sweeney, who was addressing journalists at the end of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) 27th Annual Conference, at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay,...

Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Major Clive Davis, says Jamaica is taking seriously its responsibility to build the country’s resilience against disasters. He told JIS News in a recent interview that a number of measures have been put in place, including the strengthening of capacity at the local level. “We’ve continued to build...

The celebration of Local Government and Community Development Month in November will highlight the importance of local government to national development. “Local Government is one of the most important drivers of economic activities,” said Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie. “We have responsibility for roads, markets, parks, infirmaries, building plans… you name it. Eight per cent...

A new cohort of Junior Councillors will be installed next month, says Mayor of Kingston, Senator Councillor Delroy Williams. “Our PR unit has already commenced the procedures to engage the educational institutions across the Municipality to (start) the selection process, so as to have the new Junior Councillors and Mayor assume office by November 9,” he said. Senator Williams was...