MP Plans Housing/Health Boost for Runaway Bay

Member of Parliament for North West St. Ann, Othneil Lawrence, says that lands have been identified at Mount Edgecombe, Runaway Bay, for the construction of a new health care facility expected to cost some $15 million.
“We intend to make this project a reality through the allocation of funds from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA), as well as from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector,” Mr. Lawrence assured.
He said that the Ministry of Water and Housing has also earmarked for housing development, just over 500 residential serviced lots at Mount Edgecombe, representing Phase 5 of that project.
“We are serious about providing affordable housing solutions so that working families can live in dignity. When this (Mount Edgecombe) development becomes a reality, it will make a significant dent in the aggressive demand for affordable and accessible housing in the constituency,” Mr. Lawrence stated.
He said that the Brown’s Town Health Centre has been rehabilitated at a cost $3.2 million. The work undertaken includes the installation of additional facilities, inclusive of a waiting area, bathroom and offices. He contended that the expansion will alleviate the growing demand on the secondary health care facilities.
Mr. Lawrence was making his contribution to the 2009/10 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (July 28).