Huge Sums to Be Spent on Indigent Houses, Water Shops, Markets and Public Cemeteries

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development will be spending hundreds of millions of dollars to provide indigent houses, construct water shops, and repair and upgrade markets, roads, and public cemeteries across the island.

Outlining the various initiatives while making his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 28, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said the investments are aimed at delivering critical services to improve the standard of living of Jamaicans.

“The Government of Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, gave a commitment to the Jamaican people eight years ago, that we would change their lives for the better. We have been honouring that promise every year since then. The Government has delivered public services to more people in more communities than any other… . This Ministry is making a strong contribution in this process by improving traditional services and by introducing new approaches to service delivery,” he said.

Mr. McKenzie informed that the Government will be spending $150 million to build new Indigent Houses for Jamaicans in need.

He said the construction of modern concrete houses with proper amenities and conveniences reflects the Government’s determination that the humblest in the society must live in dignity.

“We are going to be putting in solar systems… . We did it already in one that we just opened and these houses will lift the standard of living for many Jamaicans. I cannot adequately describe the smiles on the faces of individuals and families [when they receive] their house. We have been building solid concrete structures,” the Minister said, adding that they are also provided with furniture.

Last year, more than $100 million was spent to build indigent houses in St. Mary, Hanover, Westmoreland, Manchester, St. Elizabeth, and Kingston and St. Andrew.

Meanwhile, the Minister said the Government is working to rehabilitate markets across the island.

“Our markets are in a bad condition. Ninety-eight per cent of our markets are over 100 years old. This Administration, since 2016, has built four brand new markets and has renovated a lot more, but a lot more needs to be done,” he said.

He announced that $500 million has been budgeted for the construction of a market in Alexandria, St. Ann.

He added, too, that funds are available to commence the renovations for the Brown’s Town Transport Centre.

Mr. McKenzie said, this year, $100 million will be spent on cleaning and beautifying public cemeteries.

“We will be restoring and expanding the network of public cemeteries,” he said, noting that $100 million was spent last year to improve public cemeteries.

He further noted that this year, new water shops will be built in selected areas in Clarendon, Portland, and Manchester, at a cost of more than $50 million.

“Our goal as a Ministry is to elevate living standards by expanding minor water supplies. Our goal as a Government is to provide our citizens with piped and potable water,” he said.

Mr. McKenzie pointed out that the Ministry, this year, will be providing $170 million for the trucking of water to various communities. He informed that last year, $150 million was provided for the trucking of water across the island.

“We are improving the living standards and bringing hope by rehabilitating parochial roads for our citizens. Last year, we repaired 300 kilometres of these roads. This year, we will be spending $200 million to repair more of these roads,” he said.