Slight delay in new foreign affairs building
Published:Friday | August 4, 2017 | 12:00 AMRomario Scott
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that construction of its new home in downtown Kingston is a month behind schedule.
The ministry said that, so far, foundation works have been completed while revetment and retaining walls are close to completion.
"We had our recent briefing from the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation on Wednesday, August 2, and we are satisfied with the progress made," the ministry said in response to queries from The Gleaner.
It said that, so far, it has drawn down a portion of the $232 million approved in the Budget for construction of the building.
It said that while representatives of the ministry have been in constant contact with the project manager, the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the technical team on the project, arrangements will be made for Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, the permanent secretary and some members of senior staff to undertake a site visit at an appropriate time.
17 DEPARTMENT LEVELS
The proposed 11-storey structure will be built with 17 department levels to accommodate 285 staff members, boast a conference room, a children's centre, a dining area as well as an area for medical care, leisure and recreation, and an auxiliary room.
The UDC, project manager for the J$3.9-billion project, is working with the main contractor, a Chinese firm, and other stakeholders to complete the project by the end of 2018.
Some $3.2 billion of the total project cost is being funded by a grant from China, while the Jamaican Government is providing funds for the coastal protection, drainage and external works.