JAMAICA and China yesterday signed a $45 million agreement for the rehabilitation of the Sligoville community road and water supply systems.

Minister with responsibility for sports, Natalie Neita Headley, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Government, said the Sligoville renovation project was significant as it marks the beginning of a new development process for the first free village in Jamaica. "Freedom started at Sligoville and we have to ensure the proper development of that community," said the minister.

Minister Neita Headley, who is also the member of parliament for the area, said the new water system will meet domestic usage and also supply the multi-purpose stadium at Sligoville for which "we have major plans to become part of a higher performance centre twinned with the GC Foster College as the northern campus of the college."

Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China Liu Lei said her Government was happy to see that this year, several Chinese Government aided projects are moving forward and the implementation of those projects will further enrich the economic cooperation between both countries.

"We believe that the Sligoville project will bring real benefits to Jamaican people, and looked forward to its early commencement and smooth and successful implementation," she added.

The project, which will commence in a month's time is expected to be completed within six months. It is being undertaken by China Shanx Construction Engineering (Group) Corporation