KINGSTON, Jamaica— The country’s parish capitals and rural townships which have been described as “chaotic” by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, have been earmarked for development by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Government.

Prime Minister Andrew Holnes made the disclosure on Sunday while addressing the JLP’s annual conference at the National Arena.

Stating that “there is chaos in our townships,” Holness shared that he visited several parish capitals and townships in recent days to get a feel as to the current state of affairs.

“As I drive around the country …May Pen, Black River, Santa Cruz, Hopewell and my own town, Spanish Town (where Holness grew up) – it is all chaos and mayhem,” said the prime minister.

He noted that the police were doing their best to manage traffic and to ensure that public order is maintained in the various spaces. However, Holness cited that these parish capitals and townships that were established up to 100 years ago can no longer carry the level of traffic and commerce that they are currently faced with.

“This government will launch a comprehensive programme of redeveloping our parish capitals and rural townships. We will make them drivable, we will make them ‘walkable’, we will restore their historic assets. We will ensure that people can feel proud, safe, and secure in these areas,” the prime minister said to ringing applause and a standing ovation from the conference attendees.

He said his government will ensure that these areas become centres of economic activities. And, he promised that the government will ensure that the municipal waste that is generated in these areas will be collected.