Major Facelift for Greenwich Farm

The Greenwich Farm community, in South West St. Andrew, has benefited from a major facelift, with the construction of upgraded perimeter fencing, which replaces the previous zinc structure.

Undertaken by the Government, through the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), at a cost of $6.75 million, the project involved the installation of 305 metres of fencing and the installation of 27 pedestrian gates.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, officially handed over the new structure to residents during a ribbon cutting ceremony in the community, on February 26.

Mrs. Simpson Miller, who is Member of Parliament for the area, said the project demonstrated the Government’s thrust to enhance the aesthetics and improve the infrastructure of the community located along Marcus Garvey Drive.

“I have started the process with the fencing and I hope that members of the community will continue to keep the fence looking clean,” she said.

The Prime Minister reminded the community members of their duty to protect the new infrastructure and to maintain it.

The new fencing and gates will now improve how service is delivered to the community, including that of utility companies, the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) and the police.

Managing Director for JSIF, Scarlette Gillings, said the removal of zinc fencing is part of JSIF’s work, aimed at improving the look of communities which helps to lift the morale of residents.

She praised members of the community for their contribution to the project of 25 per cent through sweat equity, involving site clearance; security and storage of materials and machinery; and the clean-up after construction.

Mrs. Gillings noted that the project builds on previous interventions undertaken in the community to include rehabilitation of the Greenwich All-Age School and playfield; upgrading of the Greenwich Farm access road; equipping of a computer centre; as well as skills development, parenting and summer camp programmes.