Disbursements under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) – whereby $40 million will be made available to each member of parliament to finance projects in their respective constituencies – is expected to begin next month.

Here in the West the initiative appears to have the blessings of political representatives as well as the general populace.Frank Witter: South East St Elizabeth

But what are the principal projects that will being considered in the region?

Today, we find out from some of the Western members of parliament.

He wants a number of parochial roads, particularly those in the Queensbury, Ridge and Tryall communities to be rehabilitated.

The provision of electricity in the districts of Ivor Cottage, Mount Pleasant and Jackson Town are also among the proposals submitted by Witter under the programme.

He has also proposed that a number of defective water catchment tanks be repaired.

Luther Buchanan: Eastern WestmorelandClive Mullings: West Central St James

He wants a multi-purpose stadium in Bigwoods to be constructed; farm roads and other minor roads to be improved and the establishment of a botanical garden in Darliston.

Mullings said under the programme this fiscal year the Granville community centre will be refurbished and a basketball court in Catherine Hall will be constructed.

COMMAND will also be funded in a bid to effect repairs to a number of sanitary conveniences.

The MP is still accepting project proposals.

Ian Hayles: Western Hanover

Hayles said his projects are based on the needs of the constituency.

He wants $5 million to be used to upgrade the Noel Holmes Hospital in Lucea, $3 million to undertake improvement works at the Watson Taylor Park, also, in Lucea; renovation of several community centres in the constituency, as well as the establishment of a theatre for the Arts.

The provision of scholarships for teachers and students as well as agricultural projects; and repairs to several roads are also high on the agenda.

Horace Chang: North West St James

Among his proposals for the constituency is the construction of a recording studio in the inner-city community of Canterbury.

Funding for the CDF is also expected to be used for skills training, repairs to community centres and computer programmes in schools.

Roads too are expected to get attention.

Patrick Harris: MP Northern Trelawny

The MP would like to see a raft of economic and social projects undertaken in the constituency in an effort to bring prosperity to the area.

His proposals, though not yet finalised, are expected to see early childhood education being given priority. Agricultural and cultural projects, as well as road repairs are also expected to be addressed.

Dr Christopher Tufton: Southwest St Elizabeth

Education forms a major plank of Dr Tufton’s proposals.

He wants a significant portion of his allocation to provide scholarships for needy students at the primary and secondary levels.

Repairs to several minor roads and the development of sporting programmes, as well as assistance for farmers, are also high on the agenda.

Wykeham McNeil: Western Westmoreland

His projects include road repairs from Old Hope to Little Bay and in several communities in the Friendship division.

The construction of multi-purpose courts in Paul Island and West End and repairs to sidewalks in Grange Hill are also under consideration.

There is also a proposal to establish training facilities at several community centres and a project to assist school-leavers with funding to pursue business ventures.