Some $6 Billion Committed for Phase Two of JEEP

The Government of Jamaica has committed $6.09 billion for phase two of the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP).

This was disclosed by Minister of Transport, Works and Housing, the Hon Dr. Omar Davies, during a statement on Tuesday (June 26), in the House of Representatives.

(Related Story: Phase II of JEEP will have more impact – Dr. Davies)

He also informed that 35,000 persons will be employed in phase two of the programme.

The major focus will be on infrastructure works, which will be implemented through government and non-government agencies such as the Ministries of Transport, Works and Housing, Education, National Works Agency (NWA); Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ); National Housing Trust (NHT); and Food for the Poor.

The Ministries of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Labour and Social Security, will also be implementing projects.

Among the focus areas are road works, including patching, reconstruction, bushing, cleaning and repair of drains, sidewalks and kerb walls; providing low income housing; cultivation of turmeric and ginger; upgrading of school infrastructure; training, among other areas.

Food for the Poor will be contributing approximately $500 million per year towards the housing project.

“The Secretariat continues its work to ensure that projects are developed and implemented in keeping with the established policies and procedures. Projects for consideration for implementation during phase 2 are to be submitted to the Secretariat and I am inviting members to submit projects for consideration as come mid-July, the projects will be rolled out,” Dr. Davies said.

Projects may be submitted to the Secretariat by any of the following individuals or groups: Members of Parliament and other political representatives, government agencies, citizens associations, church groups and non-governmental organisations.

“I am appealing to those Ministries and agencies that have not yet developed any projects to do so now as the Secretariat stands ready to work with you to ensure that the programme achieves its objectives.

“We welcome all new initiatives and suggestions that will expand the programme and create employment to the thousands of Jamaicans, who would not otherwise be engaged in meaningful employment,” Dr. Davies stated.

By Latonya Linton, JIS Reporter