JSIF to Spend $260 Million on Removal of Zinc Fences

Managing Director of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), Omar Sweeney, says $260 million has been allocated for the removal of zinc fences in communities throughout sections of the island.

The project, which falls under the Integrated Community Development Project and is funded jointly by the Government and the World Bank, aims to provide a general framework for integrating the human, social, economic and environmental development of the targeted communities.

“The $260 million will see to the removal of zinc fences in 11 communities across six parishes. Of this amount, $20.58 million will be used for the removal and substitution of zinc fences in Granville, St. James. It will be done along Cunningham Drive, Brown’s Lane and also Gunz Drive,” the Managing Director said.

Mr. Sweeney was speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Granville Zinc Fence Substitution Project, in Granville, St. James, recently.

He said the project demonstrates JSIF’s dedication and commitment to create tailored solutions that will make the greatest difference to the residents of Granville, who we hope will feel a deep sense of personal pride and fulfilment, derived from contributing to the improvement of their own community.

“The removal of zinc fences, enabling greater security for all citizens, is an important aspect of what has to be done to ensure that the police can enter the community and do what they have to do without the fear of persons hiding behind a zinc fence,” Mr. Sweeney pointed out.

He added that JSIF will also have to spend approximately $18 million to remove and replace 492 metres of zinc fences in a number of volatile Kingston communities, including “Bottom Vietnam Road; Top Vietnam Road; walkway linking bottom of Top Vietnam; Saigon, top side from Blount Street and Vietnam”.

Other beneficiaries of the programme include Hannah Town, Denham Town, Rose Town, Greenwich Town and Maxfield Park in Kingston and St Andrew; Canaan Heights and York Town in Clarendon; Steer Town in St Ann; Barrett Town in St James; and Russia, Westmoreland.

Mr. Sweeney said that the development agenda that JSIF has in mind for Granville is one that is both ambitious and which should greatly improve the aesthetics of the community.

“For the duration of the Integrated Community Development Project, the JSIF will be working with this community and 17 others to promote public safety and transformation through the delivery of basic infrastructure and social services,” he added.

Included will be the rehabilitation of roadways and improvement in storm-water drainage.