Westmoreland Parish Council To Get New Building In Mid-2016
Local Government and Community Development Minister Hon. Noel Arscott today signed a J$74.8 million contract, for the construction of a new building for the Westmoreland Parish Council. The money will come from the Equalization Fund, and the 10-month-long works project is scheduled to begin at the end of July.
At a news briefing held to announce details of the initiative, Minister Arscott noted that the existing Parish Council building has outlived its practical usefulness.
“The structure that now houses the Council is 90 years old, having been constructed in 1925. It was made from reinforced concrete and stone, with floors made from timber. The floors are now infested with termites, and the electrical fixtures are severely compromised as a result of overloading, despite numerous upgrading exercises over the years. In addition to all this, the building is shared with the Savanna-La-Mar Resident Magistrates’ Court that is located on the upper floor and occupies approximately half of the ground floor.”
According to the Minister, the replacement facility will be modern, and will utilize current energy-saving technology including LED lighting and solar panels. The new building will provide adequate space for staff and customers, and will also feature a Council Chamber that can accommodate 60 people.
The contractor responsible for this project is N.R. Diaram Construction Limited.
