KINGSTON, Jamaica- Rehabilitation work on the Trench Town Fire Station in Kingston, spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government at a cost of just over $2 million, has been completed.

The station was closed earlier this year to facilitate reconstruction of the roof, after it was discovered that the original canopy was built from material containing asbestos, deemed a major health risk.

Medical analyses show that prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibres can result in scarring of the lungs, leading to a complication known as asbestosis, and lung cancer.

The services of the firm, Nocthline Traders Limited, were contracted to carry out the project, which was undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry’s Technical Services team; the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB); private sector stakeholders; and residents of the neighbouring communities.

The station was officially reopened during a rededication ceremony at the station’s Spanish Town Road base on December 19.

 Speaking at the ceremony, State Minister for Local Government and Community Development, Colin Fagan, said the Government moved swiftly to rectify the problem with the station’s roof, once the challenge it posed for the firefighters became apparent. 

“I am dedicated to ensuring the welfare of our firefighters and the care and upkeep of our firefighting facilities…and (I am) pleased that the ministry was able to play an integral role in the completion of this project,” he said.

Fagan pointed out that the station, which was built in 1953, is among a number of Government buildings constructed during an era when little was known about the health risks associated with asbestos.

“It was said to be the most economical construction material at the time. And so, it will come as no surprise that some of our institutional buildings were constructed with material containing asbestos which, we now come to know, poses real health risks when it begins to deteriorate,” he said.