Some 10,000 Christians who initially volunteered to clean the city over two days ahead of the March 11 start of Cricket World Cup 2007, on Monday agreed to extend their work days to four, following discussion with the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC).

Under the umbrella group Hope 2007, the Christians – who are to partner with the KSAC to help to beautify the city – had planned to go into targeted Kingston communities from February 24 to 25.

Kingston Mayor Desmond McKenzie told Tuesday’s council meeting that coming out of discussions, Hope 2007 advised the KSAC that the Christians would also participate in cleaning up the city on February 26 and 27.

“In light of that, I am appealing to councillors to use every available opportunity to encourage the participation of their constituents in as many aspects of the preparation and hosting of the event in the city,” McKenzie said.

The mayor, who welcomed the decision of the churches to organise the 10,000 volunteers to assist to clean up sections of the municipality, also urged residents of the Corporate Area, the business community and professional, civic and social groups to “join in the effort”.

McKenzie told a press briefing after the council meeting that the locations to be cleaned up would include the area around the Ward Theatre, St William Grant Park, Mandela Park, sections of Harbour Street, Barry Street, Church Street and King Street.

He said the KSAC would be getting paint from the Kingston City Centre Improvement Company (KCIC) to help to paint some of the buildings.

Meanwhile, the council on Tuesday approved the spending of $28.5 million to repair roads in the divisions of Allman Town, Trafalgar Park, Norman Gardens, Vineyard Town, Rae Town and Tivoli as part of the effort to beautify the city for the World Cup tournament.

The mayor explained that the $28.5 million was a two-month advance to the KSAC by the Ministry of Local Government from the Parochial Revenue Fund (PRF), to enable the repairs.

Under the Hope 2007, the churches will also be staging other outreach activities during the tournament, including prayer meetings, musical presentations and counselling sessions.