Residential Blocks at UTech to be Rehabilitated

The roof and upper floors of four residential blocks located at the University of Technology (UTech) on Old Hope Road in Kingston are to be repaired at a cost of $38.9 million.
Speaking at yesterday’s (October 24) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Information Minister, Senator Burchell Whiteman disclosed that Cabinet has approved the award of a contract to Bajad Limited to carry out modifications to the roof and upper floors of Blocks A, B, E and F at the tertiary institution.
The Minister explained that the repairs were a continuation of the University’s plans to upgrade its facilities.
“The university has taken a decision to remedy some leaks which have shown up in their existing halls of residence and to add mezzanine floors to provide additional accommodation for the students,” he informed journalists.
The pending rehabilitation, Minister Whiteman said, formed part of the University’s five-year master plan, and would be funded by the institution itself.
Giving details of other contracts approved by the Cabinet, the Minister said the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has acquired a property on Miller’s Drive in Lucea, Hanover to provide office accommodation for the NIS operations in the parish. The property was purchased for $12 million.
Currently, the NIS has regional offices in all but three parishes. “Hanover is going to join the list of parishes which have their own office,” he said.
“Right now the office that serves Hanover is in leased premises and because of its particular structure, it presents difficulties to its regular customers but more so, to those who are physically challenged,” he explained.
In order to make the operations more customer friendly, Minister Whiteman said the acquired premises, comprising a 52-year old two storey building, would be demolished, and a custom built facility erected.