Source: http://www.justmeans.com/
The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) with the purpose of improving the social conditions of the downtown communities in Kingston has agreed to the finance Phase II of the ambitious PetroCaribe Sanitation project in Kingston, Jamaica.
During the second phase of this sanitation project, JSIF plans to spend $109 million involving the installation of laundry and bath facilities in five inner-city communities. JSIF is a social entrepreneurship and social innovation agency which is funding the initiative and considers it to be a crucial part of the city’s redevelopment plans.
This social initiative is a part of the larger Community Renewal Program that aims to guide the design, planning and execution of projects related to community development and violence reduction in one hundred most volatile and vulnerable areas across the island.
Scarlette Gillings, the Managing Director of JSIF, said at the signing ceremony, “Phase II will involve the design and construction of at least 75 units. The scope of work includes installation of toilets, face basins, laundry basins, electrical fixtures and fittings and the connection of households to existing sewer system.”
Five communities that will benefit from this project include Denham Town, Hannah Town, Tivoli Gardens, Kingston Central and Fletcher’s Land. Ms. Gillings said that the construction of units and procurement of goods and services will be the responsibility of the community members. Towards the final stage of the implementation process, community members will be trained in hygiene and maintenance for the new facilities.
Dr. Gladstone Hutchinson, the Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica, stated at the signing ceremony that sanitation is among the top priorities of the Community Renewal Program. He pointed out to research findings that show a positive linkage between availability of such amenities and their impact on youth behavior. Sharon Weber, manager of the PetroCaribe informed that Jamaica Social Investment Fund’s sanitation project will primarily target families with children and the elderly.
