KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Cabinet has approved an additional $1.3 billion to continue work on the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) recovery project during the 2017/18 fiscal year.

Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator Ruel Reid, made the disclosure at today at a post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House.He said that preliminary projections are for another $189-million allocation to the project in 2018/19.The works, being undertaken at the St James-based hospital, involves, among other things, repairs to the central air-conditioning system, to address noxious fumes being emitted by the unit. Reid advised that Cabinet also approved major capital expenditure, totalling $745 million, for works to be carried out at several other hospitals.He said the provision comprises $619 million for 2017/18 and a further $126 million for 2018/19. Details about the institutions and the extent of works will be announced shortly.Senator Reid also announced that Cabinet has approved the award of a contract in the sum of $68,894,905 to SM Quality Construction for infrastructure works at the Early Childhood Plus – Early Childhood Development Centre in Kingston.