Pilot Project Under JEEP to Construct and Maintain Rural Roads
June 4, 2013The Full Story
A Ministry of Labour and Social Security-led project, under the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP), is be piloted in two communities at a cost of US$1.2 million.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, explains that the objective of the Project is to demonstrate and develop a model for rural road construction and maintenance, and erosion control.
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This will utilize appropriate techniques that create rural employment and enhance income security for the poor that is viable, effective and cost effective and can be applied in other areas of Jamaica.
Mr. Kellier made the announcement in his 2013/14 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, June 4.
The project stems from the Labour Minister’s discussions with officials of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) at the 101st Conference of the ILO, about the development of a response to the specific infrastructure and employment needs in rural communities.
Following these discussions, the ILO engaged the services of a Consultant who visited Jamaica, carried out the required research and presented his findings.
The project, which is to be undertaken under the Ministry’s JEEP activities, is to be piloted for 18 months, after which it is expected to be rolled out nationally.
Download 2013/2014 Sectoral Debate: Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Derrick Kellier
Funding will be sourced from international financial institutions to support the roll out of the project, and the Ministry will utilize a multi-agency approach in its implementation.
The JEEP was launched by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, on March 22, in Kingston. It is one of the strategies of the Government to respond to the chronic unemployment status of some Jamaicans, particularly those in the lower socio-economic strata, persons with special needs as well as those with low skills levels.
Contact: Alphea Saunders