Mark Titus, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

HEALTH MINISTER Horace Dalley on Wednesday broke ground and signed four contracts for the $248 million refurbishing of Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny.

The ambitious project, which will include the modification and expansion of the Accident and Emergency Department and the construction of a new operating theatre and radiology buildings, is slated for completion in time for Cricket World Cup 2007 opening ceremony on March 11.

While admitting that the event being staged in the Caribbean influenced the project, he stressed that the rehabilitation was for the people of Jamaica.

"If this was just for Cricket World Cup, I could lease one of the combat hospitals for US$1.2 million," Minister Dalley stated. "This investment of $248.8m in Falmouth is not just for visitors, it is for the people of Jamaica."

The minister said there was no reason why Jamaica's health service should be like that of a war-torn country, and gave a commitment that all the major facilities throughout the island would be upgraded.

Major health facility

Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, the major health facility in western Jamaica, has been selected for upgrading work. However, information as to the timeline for this project was not disclosed.

Tank-Weld Limited has been contracted to build the new operating theatre and radiology building at a cost of $136m.

The other three contractors will refurbish the porters' lodge for $7.8m, expand the Accident and Emergency Department on a $71m budget and rehabilitate driveways, drainage, fencing and landscaping of the hospital's premises at a cost of $34m.

The Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium will host pre-tournament matches and the opening ceremony of the world's third largest sporting event between March 5 and 11.

The Jamaican Government has been preparing the parish's essential services for the event with the construction of a new 100-man police station and a fire station.