THE Jamaica Social Investment Fund on Wednesday launched the environmental component of the new Integrated Community Development Project (ICDP), which is being implemented islandwide in 18 communities.

JSIF is partnering with the National Solid Waste Management Authority in the project.

The ICDP began in 2014 when the Government signed a loan with the World Bank in the amount of US$42 million for its implementation by JSIF.

The project, which started in May 2014, will run until May 2020 within communities in the parishes of Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, Clarendon, St Ann, St James and Westmoreland.

A major component of the ICDP is the improvement to basic infrastructure which includes road rehabilitation; improving storm water drainage and Instaling water supply and sanitation household connections; and additionally targets behaviour change related to water supply, sanitation and solid waste management.

On Wednesday, JSIF commenced a series of clean-up and beautification (COMCLEAN) events in three of the ICDP communities to begin activities under the project dubbed ‘Super 18’.

Dr Milton Clarke, environmental coordinator at JSIF, said that the project will strengthen and build upon the successes of the recently completed Inner-City Basic Services for the Poor project.

Trained environmental wardens as well as other community volunteers will coordinate and monitor waste recycling, composting, waste collection and disposal, under the project. They are also expected to encourage residents to participate in community environmental clubs.

“The environmental programme and other complementary elements of ICDP aim to add quality of life changes in communities where such interventions are most needed,” Dr Clarke stated.

“The solid waste management component will support the clean-up and beautification of the local environment. Equipment, infrastructure and training of environmental wardens will also be supported,” he said.

Other activities under the ICDP will include the replacement of zinc fences with alternative fencing solutions; the installation of street lights and street signs; and the creation of recreational spaces and community parks.

The ICDP principally seeks to promote public safety and transformation by an integrated focus on improving basic infrastructure, enhancing the delivery of social services and strengthening other agencies of Government to better support the community development thrust.

Scarlette Gillings, managing director of JSIF, said that the Integrated Community Development is reflective of the National Vision 2030 which aims to provide a better place for Jamaicans to live, work and raise families.

“The JSIF remains guided by this goal as we seek to ensure that communities most in need of development support are assisted in creating for themselves a brighter and better future,” she said.

Under previous interventions, environmental wardens in the communities of Passmore Town, Central Village, Flanker, Tawes Meadows, March Pen, Bucknor, Jones Town, Craig Town, Federal Gardens, Whitfield Town and Knollis have been trained to oversee activities geared towards the reduction of pollution and improving environmental sustainability, while mobilising local groups for local environmental maintenance.

JSIF also financed the procurement of a garbage compactor valued at approximately $11 million, 55 skips and 100 drums for temporary storage of household garbage. It also paid for the construction of skip enclosures in the 12 ICBSP communities, as well as training of 35 community members as environmental wardens.