KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Local Government and Community Development Minister Desmond McKenzie says provisions are being made to renovate sections of the Spanish Town Infirmary in St Catherine, which require upgrading.

He assures that the ministry will provide “whatever is required” from its Equalization Fund to undertake this engagement.

The minister has also committed funding support to upgrade the building that houses the St Catherine Parish Council, which oversees the infirmary’s operations.  

McKenzie gave these undertakings while touring the infirmary and parish council building on July 29.

The infirmary’s proposed renovation is expected to complement, among other things, specially designed bathrooms that were recently constructed for the elderly and disabled, which the minister highlighted.

McKenzie also noted that the female wards and laundry rooms were powered by solar energy, which he said has resulted in a “significant” reduction in the infirmary’s electricity costs.

Regarding the parish council building, McKenzie expressed concern about the conditions under which the staff work in the nearly 500-year-old structure.

He said that among the improvements needed were the installation of air conditioning units and repairs to the roof, while assuring the Ministry’s undertaking to this end.

In commending the work of the St Catherine Parish Council and other local authorities, McKenzie said the ministry remained committed to enabling these and other portfolio entities to sustain themselves.

The tour, which also included the Old Harbour market and Thetford cemetery, formed part of McKenzie’s familiarisation visit of the ministry’s agencies.