KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, has signed a $190-million contract for the construction of a modern administrative building for the Portmore Municipal Corporation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at his Hagley Park Road offices in St Andrew, on Thursday, McKenzie said the project will provide the Corporation with its own space from which to operate. He noted that the Corporation spends more than $7 million per year to rent the building it currently occupies.The new structure will be situated on four acres of land in the vicinity of Braeton Parkway and Municipal Boulevard, which is near to the South St Catherine Division (hundred-man) Police Station.The 22,654-square foot facility will feature a ground floor, first floor and attic floor, and will have energy-efficient features such as LED, and solar street lighting. The overall development plan also includes access for the physically challenged, landscaping, adequate car parking, and water harvesting.McKenzie said the structure will be the most modern municipal building on the island, and will enable staff and elected representatives to carry out their functions more effectively and efficiency.He noted that part of changing the face of Local Government, and increasing the effectiveness of the services offered “is the establishment of modern municipal structures that facilitate improved service delivery”.He urged Councillors and staff at the Corporation to “use this facility to enhance the work of Local Government”.Mayor of Portmore, Leon Thomas, said the residents welcome the construction of the new offices. He noted that work has commenced on the site, such as clearing of debris, erection of a perimeter fence, and landfilling, which is depositing materials to fill the land, resulting in an elevation of ground level.The 20-month project will be undertaken by HDB Construction Limited. Construction is expected to last for 20 months beginning on June 1, and the intention is to execute the project in sections, so that the Corporation can move in and use the space during the period of the works.It is expected that the building will be completed by February, 2019.The Ministry is providing $100 million for the project, while the Corporation is contributing $90 million.Other speakers at the signing ceremony were Member of Parliament for South St Catherine, Fitz Jackson; and Chief Executive Officer of the Portmore Municipal Corporation, Kerry Chambers.