Rose Town to Benefit From US$42M Integrated Community Development Project

Residents of Rose Town, in South St. Andrew, are to benefit from the implementation of the Government’s $4.8 billion (US$42 million) Integrated Community Development Project (ICDP), which targets social transformation in 18 communities islandwide

The initiative, which aims to elevate beneficiaries’ educational outcomes, as well as improve sanitary conveniences and security, among other outcomes, is being implemented by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF).

The World Bank-funded project aims to promote public safety and transformation, through the delivery of basic infrastructure and social services.

Speaking at the launch in Rose Town, on March 12, Transport, Works, and Housing, Dr. the Hon. Omar Davies, said based on the positive results of previous social interventions, he believed that the community will benefit significantly from the ICDP’s provisions.

Dr. Davies, who is also Member of Parliament for the area, said he anticipated that, consequent on the ICDP’s successful implementation in Rose Town, and other communities, “over time, we can spend less on security, and more on education”, adding that “we can (also) spend less on cleaning up and clearing gullies, and more on health services.”

The Minister contended, however, that community transformation should not be deemed to emanate solely from projects implemented, but must be routinely undertaken by residents, stressing that “it is important that these changes…are reflected in your behaviour.”

Other communities where the ICDP is slated for implementation include: York Town, Treadlight, Curatoe Hill, and Canaan Heights, in Clarendon; Hannah Town and Tivoli Gardens, Kingston; Majesty Gardens, Wilton Gardens (Rema), Maxfield Park, Greenwich Town, and Newport West, St. Andrew; Spanish Town and Ellerslie Pen, St. Catherine; Retirement, Anchovy, Barrett Town, and Granville, St. James; and Russia, Westmoreland.