HANOVER,Jamaica- The Government is placing greater emphasis on rural communities to ensure that residents have access to basic amenities to improve their lives and economic well-being, says Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Desmond McKenzie.

It is for this reason, he said, that significant resources are being pumped into upgrading community infrastructure under the Rural Development Programme (RDP).

He was addressing one of several ceremonies held recently in Chambers Pen, Hanover to hand over completed projects under the RDP.

Chambers Pen is the pilot community for the RDP, which is being spearheaded by the ministry in collaboration with various State entities and will benefit four other communities across the island in the initial phase.

Among the projects undertaken in Chambers Pen are the establishment of a water supply system, wiring of houses for electricity, provision of internet service, construction of indigent housing, among other things.

The primary school in the area also benefited from upgrading works.

“The community centre will be the next major target because not only do we want to resuscitate the [facility] but we want the community to have activities. We are going to be creating a play area where you put swings so that the children can play and enjoy themselves in the evenings. Good things are happening in Chambers Pen,” McKenzie said.

Road improvement works will also be undertaken in the area.

Managing Director of Rural Water Supply Limited, Audley Thompson said that the $49 million water system, which was commissioned into operation by McKenzie, was implemented on time and within budget.

He said the system will be connected to that of the National Water Commission and all households will be provided with 400-gallon black water tanks for backup supply.

“Some 300 tanks have already been distributed,” Thompson noted.

Member of Parliament for Hanover Western, Tamika Davis said she is pleased with the attention being paid to Chambers Pen, noting that the community upgrading works are much needed and must be appreciated.

She told the residents that other projects will be undertaken in the area.

“You have just heard about all the work that has been done to ensure that Chambers Pen has running water. We spoke about electricity, the Internet, and we could go on and on. Chambers Pen is looking good so today, I want to tell you thank you for your continued patience because the works are not yet complete,” she pointed out.