SEVERAL residents in Hanover have benefited from a recent $10.1 million allocation from the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank, through the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), for two projects.

The IDB made $4 million available for the completion of the Copse Basic School, which now boasts a new kitchen, sanitary conveniences, two classrooms and a drinking fountain. The school serves children from the communities of Lethe, Friendship and Miles Town.

The World Bank provided $6.1 million in funding used to fix 2.7 kilometres of roadway between Miles Town and Content. The improved roadway is expected to assist more than 1,200 residents from the Hanover communities of Copse, Burnt Ground, Cacoon Castle and Haughton Grove.

Both projects were co-ordinated by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) which praised the communities for assisting in making the projects a reality. Communities seeking assistance from JSIF are required to undertake five per cent of the cost, either through direct financial aid or by working on the projects.

The JSIF was established in 1996 to assist in alleviating poverty in communities.

According to finance and administration manager, Faith Graham, 345 projects have been approved for assistance since 1996.

Of these projects 210 have been completed, including 53 relating to roads and 62 basic schools, which have benefited about 900,000 persons.