Jamaicans are being implored to seek approval and advice from the local authorities for their building projects to ensure that proper development practices are being observed. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, in making the appeal said that failure to get the necessary building approvals results in irregularities and unplanned developments that threaten lives and property....

The Government is targeting the establishment of additional water shops across the island this year. “We will complete the water shops at Commodore in Portland and Myersville in St. Elizabeth. We will build more water shops in Manchester at Mile Gully, Porus, Somerset and Johns Hall,” said Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie. He was speaking...

Work to construct two fire stations in Ulster Spring, Trelawny, and Balaclava, St. Elizabeth, is expected to commence this year. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says ground is slated to be broken for the Ulster Spring facility in June and the Balaclava station, thereafter. He made the announcement during his 2022/23 Sectoral Debate presentation in...

In another two weeks, the Government will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with financial institutions to participate in the national pilot of the National Identification System (NIDS). This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, who gave an update on the NIDS project during his contribution to the 2022/23 Sectoral...

More than 4,000 building permits, valued at $130.6 billion, were issued by the Local Authorities in the last financial year. This is a 24.5 per cent increase over the total number of building permits issued in the 2020/2021 financial year. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2022/23 Sectoral...

Jamaica’s first ever adult transitional facility for homeless persons is slated to officially open on Friday (May 27) by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness. The state-of-the-art centre, located at King Street in downtown Kingston, will serve the homeless population across the Corporate Area. It will not only function as a shelter, but also as a rehabilitative service point...

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has informed that a comprehensive review and renovation of markets is to begin this year. “We have heard the pleas of the vendors for better facilities from which they can conduct business, and we recognise them as important players in the economic life of the country,” Mr. McKenzie said. Speaking...