Extensive Rehabilitation Work Underway at Hope Gardens

Minister of State for Agriculture and Lands, Victor Cummings has outlined a number of works that have, and will be undertaken as part of the extensive rehabilitation of the Hope Botanical Gardens and Zoo.
These include the Shell Band Stand, which was rehabilitated and re-opened in May. Mr. Cummings who was making his contribution to the 2007/08 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives yesterday (July 3) informed that the Fountain Garden was redesigned and is close to completion. Meanwhile, work on the entry plaza to the zoo, and the construction of bathroom and stalls, is nearing completion. Plans are also being made to restore the Sunken Garden and to establish a Pavilion Garden, a Parrot Cage and a crocodile exhibit through a grant of $18,484,974.09 from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF).
A hardening – off shade house will be constructed for the purpose of growing tissue culture plants. Funding of approximately $2.8 million was secured from the European Union through Jamaica Trade and Invest (JAMPRO).
In addition the restoration of Cinchona Gardens will be financed in the sum of $13 million through the TEF.The restoration work will include renovation of buildings, establishment of a plant nursery, development of a camp site, and the rehabilitation of hiking trails in the garden.