New 16-bed wing to be constructed at St Thomas Drop-in Centre

An additional wing is to be constructed at the St Thomas Drop-In Centre that will facilitate the provision of another 16 beds to accommodate homeless persons in the parish.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, who visited the facility on Wednesday, said the procurement process is almost completed and funds are already available for the project.

He added that upon completion of the procurement process, construction of the new wing will commence, while underscoring the importance of the undertaking.

“Based on the survey that we have done, there is an increase in the homeless population here in St Thomas, and it is important that we provide the facilities as best as we can. This is a further improvement… [as] 16 more beds mean that we will be able to assist 16 more persons living on the streets,” McKenzie stated.

He expressed satisfaction with the current state of the facility, pointing out that improvements were effected to the centre.

McKenzie also visited the St Thomas Infirmary where he indicated that significant improvements were carried out.

He pointed out, however, that the female ward is in need of urgent repairs.

“Once the estimates are submitted to the Ministry, we will be making the funds available to undertake the repairs,” he informed.

McKenzie commended the staff at both facilities and, by extension, the St Thomas Municipal Corporation for their arduous efforts.

He advised that he will be returning to the parish shortly to hand over two units under the Government’s Indigent Housing Programme.

- JIS News

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