TELECOMMUNICATIONS company LIME is undertaking a major rehabilitation of the Naggo Head Transportation Centre in Portmore, St Catherine.

The Naggo Head Transportation Centre Rehabilitation Project, that was officially launched yesterday, includes the installation and repair of lights, as well as the construction of bus shelters, sanitary facilities, a guard house and entry barriers. Work on the project began two weeks ago and is expected to be completed by month end.

While refusing disclose the cost of the rehabilitation works, LIME Chairman Chris Dehring said the company was prepared to pay whatever it takes to ensure that the project meets the standards of not only the telecoms giant, but of that of the community.

“We are very much a part of Portmore,” Dehring said. “Half of our staff live here in Portmore and this is a place where a lot of Jamaicans visit. We are an integral part of the community and will continue to be an integral part,” he said.

He also said that the rehabilitation of the transport centre was a continuation of what the company started in the community in the areas of education, health and well-being.

“We believe that Portmore has the potential to be one of the greatest cities in the Caribbean and LIME is committed to helping the leaders, business people, community groups and citizens realise this potential,” Dehring said.

Mayor of Portmore Keith Hinds described the occasion as an historic one.

“This is an historic day in Portmore,” Mayor Hinds said. “Our vision is being realised. After 40 years we are going to be seeing structure in the Naggo Head area.”

He implored both taxi and bus operators to respect the change.

In endorsing the project, member of Parliament for South St Catherine Fitz Jackson said the project was a demonstration of the type of investments that can enhance lives.

“The place was a dust bowl many years ago. We started to do the paving several years ago but it was never what it ought to be,” Jackson said. “You have allowed us to realise the benefits of this centre to residents in and around Naggo Head.”

He, too, implored the community to take care of the facility.

Meanwhile, councillor for the Naggo Head Division and Mayor of Spanish Town, Dr Andrew Wheatley commended LIME for looking beyond “dollars and cents” to enhance people’s lives.