Neita-Headley promises constituents more

FIRST-TERM Member of Parliament Natalie Neita-Headley agrees with her constituents that much work is outstanding in St Catherine East Central, but insists some progress has been made in the past two years.

As examples, she points to the electrification work in Palm Hill, the provision of water to Zion Hill, the plans to re-open the training centre in Commodore, road repairs, education grants, agricultural assistance, and sports development programmes in the Sligoville division.

"Since my tenure began in 2007, I have been making strong representation regarding the poor condition of some roads within the constituency. The majority of the roads mentioned are parish council roads, which have worsened with each rainy season, with little or no maintenance," she said. "The main road from Tulloch to Glengoffe is on the priority listing of the National Works Agency. We have had meetings with Minister Mike Henry, he has toured the roads and has made a commitment to start work before the end of the summer."

Further, Neita-Headley said that the Jew Pen Hill to Bowerswood road was recently done in partnership with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) at a cost of over $30 million.

"The leg from Bowerswood to Limewalk is the next step, however, we await final approval from JSIF," the MP said, adding that roads in the housing schemes along Brunswick Avenue are also deplorable.

"I am lobbying for a serious plan of the Government to look at scheme roads as law-abiding taxpayers are falling (in between the cracks) as neither the parish councils nor central government takes responsibility for these roads," she said.

Meanwhile, Neita-Headley noted that the Sligoville has been under a development plan started by her predecessor, Senator K D Knight.

"The stadium, new post office and police station were phase one. The second phase includes upgrading the water supply, refurbishing the great house and training programmes for our youth. There are also thoughts being given to a retirement village, owing to the refreshing climate and scenic sights," she said.

As for concerns over river training, Neita-Headley said the best option would be for residents to relocate.

"JSIF has concluded that (river training) would cost hundreds of millions of dollars and that residents should consider relocating. I know it is difficult to leave their homes, however, I believe it is necessary to make the decision," she said.

Neita-Headley said the water problems in such areas as Giblatore, Bowerswood, Lime Walk and Springvale would soon be resolved.

"(Those) communities came on to the constituency in 2007. The water supply scheme is now a part of the programme of the Ministry of Water. It is expected that their water supply will come from the Wakefield wells. The recent loan guarantee, which was passed in Parliament, included plans for this well," she said, adding "I continue to have face-to-face meetings on Thursday evenings across the constituency."