ST ANN, Jamaica — Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, officially opened newly refurbished male and female bathrooms at the Ocho Rios Market in St Ann on Friday.

The work, which was undertaken at a cost of $10 million, is part of efforts to upgrade public sanitary facilities in markets across the island at a cost of $250 million.

“This will ensure that every major market which falls under the responsibility of the municipal corporations will receive funds for improvements or new public sanitary facilities,” the minister said.

He noted the importance of ensuring that markets have proper bathroom facilities, particularly for female users, who make up the majority of vendors and shoppers.

“The Ocho Rios Market is the third largest market in Jamaica, so, I’m going to urge the users of this facility to ensure that you take good care of it,” he said.

The minister announced additional funding of $20 million to address other infrastructural issues at the Ocho Rios Market, including improvements to walkways.

He also disclosed the allocation of $15 million for upgrades to the sanitary facilities and other repairs at the St Ann’s Bay Market.

“So, between the St Ann’s Bay Market and the Ocho Rios Market, the Government will be providing $35 million for further improvements,” he noted.

He highlighted other market renovations undertaken in the parish, including a $40-million project at the Brown’s Town Market, which was completed about two years ago, and praised vendors there for maintaining those improvements.

Vendor at the Ocho Rios Market, Stephanie Brisco, welcomed the upgrade of the bathrooms, noting that the previous facilities were in poor condition.

“The new bathrooms are alright and well done,” she said.

-JIS