Councillors Urged to Focus on Service

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is imploring councillors to put service at the centre of everything they do.

“We want to take local government where the people not only respect you because of your political persuasion… (but) must also respect you because of the kind of representative that you are, the kind of service that you give,” he said.

The Minister, who was addressing the breaking of ground for construction of the Portmore Municipal Corporation’s new administrative building on Wednesday (May 31), urged the local representatives to emulate the late Mayor, George Lee, who displayed “commitment, respect, loyalty and decency”, during his time in office.

The structure, for which a $190-million contract was signed earlier this month, is to be situated on four acres of land in the vicinity of Braeton Parkway and Municipal Boulevard, which is near to the South St. Catherine Division (hundred-man) Police Station.

The 22,654-square-foot facility will feature a ground floor, first floor and attic, and will have energy-efficient features such as LED, and solar street lighting. The overall development plan includes access for the physically challenged, landscaping, adequate car parking, and water harvesting.

The 20-month project will be undertaken by HDB Construction Limited. Construction is expected to last for 20 months, beginning on June 1, and the intention is to execute the project in sections, so that the Corporation can move in and use the space during the period of the works.

It is expected that the building will be completed by February, 2019.

The Ministry is providing $100 million for the project, while the Corporation is contributing $90 million.

Custos of St. Catherine, Rev. the Hon. Jeffrey McKenzie, in welcoming the undertaking, said it will result in improved services to residents of St. Catherine, as “when people work in comfort, productivity will be enhanced”.