Tufton says Green Acres Police Station will spur major development amid residents' concerns

Member of Parliament for West Central St Catherine, Dr Christopher Tufton, says the newly opened Green Acres Police Station will be the catalyst for major commercial and residential development in the area that will bring jobs and greater convenience to residents.

Speaking at today’s official opening of the station, Tufton addressed concerns raised by residents, some of whom staged a protest to highlight persistent drainage problems and the poor state of Green Acres Boulevard, which runs alongside the station. Residents also cited issues with dust and noise from diverted traffic and called for road improvements to accommodate the increased flow.

Tufton sought to assure residents that infrastructure upgrades are already in motion.

"In other words, having done a first study, one has been done already, a second more detailed study that is being done that will incorporate among other things the infrastructure improvements including the widening of John's Road in the vicinity," he stated.

"So that plan is already in effect and will be implemented and it's going to mean more lanes along the stretch and it is also going to mean a significant drainage system that will take the water from here down through Innswood all the way down to the sea," he said, adding, "You have my word and the prime minister's word on it."

Tufton said the station was designed as a precursor to the wider plan and includes an “engineering solution” to manage heavy rainfall, expressing confidence that “it will work and provide the support that is required.”

Dr Vanessa White Burrow, president of the Green Acres Citizens Association, welcomed the opening of the police station and committed to fostering strong community-police ties. She also expressed optimism about the newly announced drainage plan.

Originally projected to be completed in 2021 at a cost of $250 million, it was delayed and another $70 million was spent on upgrades due to flooding issues.

- Ruddy Mathison

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