FALMOUTH, Trelawny — It has been long overdue, but the rehabilitation of the dilapidated 19th century Georgian-style building in Falmouth that up to a year ago housed the post office in that north coast town, is scheduled to be completed within the next four months.

“The building is being fully refurbished and will be done in harmony with the Georgian architectural designs which dominate the historic capital seaport town,” said Kathy-Ann Yetman, the public relations officer at the Postal Corporation of Jamaica, which owns the historic building.

She told the Jamaica Observer West that some $40 million is being spent to undertake the project, which is funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF).

The building has been in a serious state of disrepair for quite some time.

Apart from termite infestation, the roof of the two-storey structure is riddled with holes, while most of the board on the upper flooring is rotten.

The historic building which is usually flooded after rain, also has defective doors and windows, and is badly in need of electrical and plumbing works.

In recent days workmen have been observed working feverishly to effect repairs to the roof of the structure and other sections of the building, which had become an eyesore in the north coast town that started to welcome cruise passengers almost two years ago.

On completion of the repairs, the post office, which has been temporarily relocated at a nearby building, will return to its original location.

Yesterday several area residents expressed delight in seeing that repairs to the building are finally being undertaken.

“I am happy to see that the work has been started. It is long overdue because the building has been in a deplorable state for a very long time,” said a resident, who gave her name as Winsome.

Postal workers assigned to the Falmouth post office too, are overjoyed.

Many of them have recalled falling ill while carrying out their duties at the historic landmark.