McKenzie says $27m approved for Balaclava Fire Station
Published:Friday | January 23, 2026 | 12:08 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has confirmed that the long-delayed Balaclava Fire Station project is poised to enter an active phase as $27 million is earmarked in the upcoming 2026-2027 Budget to facilitate the purchase of lands for the building.
In an interview with The Gleaner last week, McKenzie said the Jamaica Fire Brigade has already commenced negotiations with the landowners, signalling movement on an issue that has generated sustained pressure from the community and their municipal representative.
“I am pleased to announce that, finally, the $27 million has been approved in the Budget for the purchase of the land,” he said.
McKenzie acknowledged the public concern over the slow pace of implementation but defended the process, noting that accountability and proper procedure were essential when spending public funds.
“I know people will say it takes a long time, but this is how government works. The same people who are critical about the pace that it takes to conclude the process will be the same people who would ask the question, why you do this and don’t do that ?” he added.
FIRMLY COMMITTED
According to McKenzie, the administration remains firmly committed to providing fire protection services for the Balaclava community.
“The money is there now, negotiations have started, and this administration has made a commitment to erect a fire station in Balaclava, and we are well down the wicket in providing the fire station for the community,” he said.
McKenzie’s update on the plans for the fire station comes shortly after Everton Fisher, the People’s National Party (PNP) councillor for the Balaclava Division in the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, spoke about the growing anxiety of the residents at a recent municipal meeting.
“We haven’t heard any arguments about it (the fire station). Former mayor Sangster (Derrick) would have almost signed it into being. We have had many discussions on it in the past,” Fisher told the meeting.
DEGREE OF UNCERTAINTY
Fisher also stated that there was uncertainty surrounding the property arrangement.
“I don’t know what the situation is now, but the landlord seems to want to withdraw his support for the fire people to get the building. I am raising it, fire chief (Assistant Superintendent Mark Edwards) because the people have asked me to speak on the matter.”
However, in speaking to the general plans for fire services in St Elizabeth, McKenzie said any plans to relocate the Black River Fire Station, which was severely flooded during the passage of Hurricane Melissa, would form part of the broader redevelopment plan for the town.
“All of that (relocation) is under review. I met with the board of the Jamaica Fire Brigade about two weeks ago and this matter was discussed,” said McKenzie. “Any relocation of any government establishment in Black River is going to come as a part of the wider New Black River that the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has spoken about.”
McKenzie warned against putting new investments in flood-prone areas, noting the need for careful planning.
“It makes no sense you spend scarce resources, which will be a bad investment, without putting in the requisite plans, and that is what is being worked on,” he said, noting that the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has already commenced preparatory work.