KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has undertaken an internal investigation into the reports, inspections, and approvals surrounding the construction of the multi-family residential development located at 11 Charlemont Drive, Kingston 6.

“Among the matters being investigated is the variation between the reports regarding the findings of the officers of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the KSAMC,” the corporation said in a news release on Friday.

“Once these investigations are completed, the KSAMC will take all necessary and appropriate actions to ensure that the building and planning laws are enforced and adhered to,” KSAMC added.

Mayor of Kingston, Senator Delroy Williams, has also advised that the corporation is involved in a dynamic and ongoing process of reviewing the administrative regime for building approvals, which has resulted in several measures taken to strengthen these processes.

The mayor said that he welcomes the recommendations of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and will keep the public informed of the findings.

Last year, the Integrity Commission (IC) submitted a report which uncovered breaches of the development approvals and monitoring processes.

The report alleged that there were irregularities in the approval and post-permit monitoring processes in relation to the construction of the residential development located at 11 Charlemont Drive, Kingston 6 by developers, including suspended National Water Commission (NWC) President Mark Barnett.

The IC said the development was done contrary to permits issued by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), and the Building Act to Barnett and his wife attorney-at-law Annette Francis Barnett.

READ: Legislators alarmed at development breaches ignored by State agencies

In a ruling dated January 10, 2024, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn said that Barnett and his wife will not face criminal charges despite clear indication that they breached the National Resources Conservation Authority Act (NRCA).

READ: NWC president and his wife to escape criminal charges despite breaching NRCA Act