Government to build new fire station, shelters for the homeless
Published:Thursday | February 15, 2024 | 6:24 PM
A new fire station is to be constructed at Ulster Spring, Trelawny, as part of the Government's continued investment in the capacity-building of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB).
The JFB will also engage two batches of recruits for training, totalling 220 new firefighters. In addition, two ladder units will be procured to fight fires in high-rise buildings.
The disclosure was made by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen while delivering the Throne Speech during the 2024/25 Ceremonial Opening of Parliament at Gordon House today.
“Improving local-level service delivery and economic development are critical to our peace, productivity and prosperity,” he said.
The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development will continue to provide oversight of this and other critical social services.
SUPPORT FOR THE VULNERABLE
“The Government strongly believes that every homeless person should have access to a safe place for shelter and has opened three night shelters in Trelawny, St Ann, and Clarendon. Several infirmaries have also been renovated across the island,” the governor general said.
Through the Indigent Housing Programme, the Government has handed over houses in St Mary, Westmoreland, Hanover, St Elizabeth, and Manchester.
These houses have been equipped with rainwater catchment facilities and solar panels.
In addition, the Poor Relief departments continue to assist with housing repairs and provide other assistance to the registered poor.
The governor general said that improvements have also been made in solid-waste collection with the acquisition of additional garbage compactors.
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