Minister Hanna Welcomes Development Works in St. Ann

Water systems in several South East St. Ann communities are to be ungraded this year, to allow more residents access to the utility.

This was announced by Youth and Culture Minister, Hon. Lisa Hanna as she highlighted developments in her constituency during her contribution to the 2014/15 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 20.

Water systems will be upgraded for Claremont, Higgin Town, McNie, Moneague Roadside, Walkerswood, ThatchHill, Beecher Town, and Parry Town, she outlined.

Miss Hanna noted that the laying of 1,000 metres of water pipes was completed in April last year, giving all sections of the eastern side of the community of Parry Town access to water.

The Minister further informed that a centre of excellence medical facility is to be opened in Claremont within another few weeks.

“This will assist persons, not only in the South East but across the parish with longer opening hours, more space, high tech technology and additional days of operation. Patients, especially our elderly, will no longer have to travel to St. Ann’s Bay but will be assisted close to home for minor primary care,” she said.

The Minister also expressed gratitude to the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund for financing the completion of the community centre at Rio Hoe, which now boasts “a full lifestyle park and sports facility for families to visit and enjoy”.

In the meantime, Miss Hanna informed that more than $45 million was spent over the past year to undertake major road repairs in the constituency.

“Importantly, the new highway, which will open shortly, will reduce the transit time to the constituency, opening up  opportunities for people in Kingston and other parishes to come to St. Ann and do business,” she added.