By Roy Sanford, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
IN A move that was described as a 'catalyst for change' in the sleepy town of Cambridge in St. James, ground was broken last Thursday for a $222 million housing scheme that will provide 109 housing solutions and 10 commercial lots.
The project is a joint venture between the Ministry of Water and Housing and the St. James-based W.A.W. Developers Ltd. and is located in Cambridge Meadows, some five minutes from the town of Cambridge itself.
Member of Parliament for the Cambridge area, Derrick Kellier, said the project is expected to bring development to the deep rural area. "This scheme is going to be the catalyst for change in the Cambridge area," Kellier, who is contesting the seat of south St. James for the People's National Party (PNP), said during the ceremony. "Adjoining Cambridge Meadows there is an additional 100 acres of land which we intend to harness to create a new Cambridge, one that can facilitate much more commercial activities as well as much more housing solution for the people in this area."
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Housing, Jennifer Hebert, said the project in Cambridge is part one of two projects approved by Cabinet that will provide a total of 410 housing solutions to residents of St. James. She added that four other housing projects are currently under negotiation for the city of Montego Bay. "These projects include 132 housing units at Catherine Hall; 30 housing units plus infrastructure at Montego Valley; 42 bedroom units at Vaughn Field; and 48 housing units plus infrastructure at Rose Mount Meadows," Mrs. Hebert revealed.
Cambridge Meadows is approximately 16 miles from the city of Montego Bay. The housing project is being built over 18 acres of land and in addition to the 109 two bedroom units, a community centre and a play field will be provided. Each housing unit is approximately 660 sq. ft and is expected to cost $2 million. The construction period is expected to last 15 months and will employ 50 persons. The Jamaica Mortgage Bank is providing a loan of $105 million towards the project.
