A NUMBER of Parish Council buildings are to be refurbished over the next two years at a projected cost of US$6.4 million ($320m) under the Parish Infrastructure Development Programme (PIDP).
Project manager of the US$50 million PIDP, Raymond Silvera, said it is intended under the programme for all the Parish Council buildings to undergo renovation.
Already, the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation and the St. James Parish Council structures have undergone significant repairs.
Making specific reference to the deplorable condition of the KSAC's offices prior to its refurbishing, Silver said some of the changes included reconstructed meeting rooms, the installation of a caucus room for councillors, and a Mayor's Parlour.
"We are also looking at the public area to see that they are adequately served as well. We are looking at the staff, to see that they are in a proper environment. We also will extend to look at the staff's furniture to ensure they have proper furnishings," he said.
The five-year PIDP is geared towards improving the delivery of basic services to residents as well as maintaining parish infrastructure in a sustainable manner. Key objectives of the programme include the strengthening of the financial viability and institutional capacity of the Councils to carry out their jobs, and the strengthening of the capacity of the Ministry itself to better assist local authorities.
The PIDP is funded jointly by the Inter-American Development Bank and the Government of Jamaica.
