Local Gov’t Ministry Awards $16 Million Contract for Upgrading of Westmoreland Infirmary

The Ministry of Local Government and Environment today (Aug.31) signed a $16.5 million contract with Matrix Engineering, for first phase upgrading works at the Westmoreland Infirmary in Savanna-la-mar.
State Minister for Local Government and Environment, Harry Douglas, in his remarks at the signing ceremony held at his offices on Half-Way-Tree Road, said that the project was part of a major thrust to rehabilitate and improve the island’s infirmaries.
The aim, he said, was to provide “comfortable and pleasing environments for.the homeless and less fortunate among us, who depend on the state for care.”
The project, which is being funded by the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education Fund (CHASE), is expected to get underway next month and the scope of work includes the building of ward apartment to house 35 female residents. The ward in which they are now being housed will be evacuated and demolished in March 2007, when the new ward is completed.
According to the Ministry’s Architect, Adrian Smith, the completed ward will comprise four private bedrooms, a five-bed open ward equipped with a nurse’s station, 13 double occupancy rooms and a doctor’s station.
Meanwhile, Mr. Douglas said that “the completion of the Westmoreland infirmary among others that are slated for rehabilitation, will continue to be a major priority of the Ministry until we have achieved our target of modern and safe infirmaries.”
He noted that the process would also include training staff and “providing budgetary support that will go towards the efficient delivery of service.”
Billy Heaven, Chief Executive Officer of CHASE, told JIS News that the project was “given priority attention, because I saw the need in the various infirmaries.”
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Devon Rowe stressed that the Ministry would make a concerted effort “to ensure that the project is brought in on time and within budget.”