KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Several projects are currently in progress or scheduled for action in the Denham Town Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO), in Kingston.

This is according to a ministry paper tabled recently in the House of Representatives by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

To this end, the Zinc Fence Substitution and Integrated Infrastructure Project is targeting the substitution of over 1,000 metres of zinc fence, of which 923 metres have been completed to date, and work continues on 120 metres.

“Thirty persons have benefitted from part-time employment as both skilled and unskilled labour. The objective of the project is to have 100 per cent substitution of zinc fence in the community,” the ministry paper said.

Regarding the Infrastructure Improvement Project, this will facilitate water, sewerage and road improvement throughout Denham Town, which will significantly improve the quality of infrastructure in the community. Upon completion of the approval process, the project will be executed over a nine-month period.

Meanwhile, the Incentive Programme for Proper Management of Solid Waste is still under active implementation with the Community Based Organisations, the environment wardens and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) as partners.

The ministry paper noted that the programme will provide incentives, including a new compactor unit to the NSWMA for proper collection and disposal of garbage in the community.

To support the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Community Safety Branch, the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) has developed the Integrated Community Development Safety Project.

“The project will include training to the JCF in customer service, human rights, and communication, stakeholder consultations, and develop a community safety manual. This will inform the appropriate structure for neighbourhood watch schemes, and support community youth groups with grants to develop their programmes,” the ministry paper said.

Holness declared Denham Town a ZOSO on October 17, 2017, under the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Act.

The law seeks to contain crime while safeguarding the human rights of residents and promoting community development through social intervention initiatives in communities where a zone operates.