Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

Port Antonio, Portland:

More than $628 million has been spent since the start of 2006 to improve the lives, comfort and well being of residents in eastern Portland, through the generosity of private sectors, state agencies and the political directorate.

Member of Parliament for the constituency, Dr. Donald Rhodd, lauded the effort put out by the various parties at a press briefing held at the Portland Parish Council Chamber. He claimed the myriad of projects has impacted the lives of more than 50,000 residents from communities across the various parish council divisions.

"A range of projects were carried out at the community level," said Dr. Rhodd. "These include cleaning of drains and bushing, education grants, sport and youth development, installation of pipeline, and also employment generation."

Several roads have been renovated, and two bridges at Janga Gully and Cornwall Barracks have also been replaced at a cost of $22 million, and $7.2 million, respectively. Currently repairs are being carried out on roads and bridges which were damaged by flood rains in November.

Severe land slippages

In addition, retaining walls have been completed at Rivers View and Spring Bank, which experienced severe land slippages last year at a cost of approximately $25 million. Several schools in East Portland including Titchfield High, Happy Grove, Ken Right Primary, Moore Town Primary and Junior High, and Fair Prospect Primary have been approved to undergo renovations to the tune of $49.3 million.

So far housing grants have been awarded to more than 100 individuals at a cost of $2 million, and an additional $2 million is to be spent to assist victims of flood, fire and hurricane. About $2.6 million has so far been spent by Food For the Poor to provide housing units for fishermen in the Manchioneal Division.

Dr. Rhodd added that more than 1,000 persons were employed during the drain cleaning programme, 500 through the Lift Up Jamaica Project, and an additional 950 will be employed through the special Christmas employment programme.