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Review of Selected Projects EducationHealth Infrastructure Others The Government in its drive to foster economic development and reduce poverty will continue to place emphasis on certain key sectors such as education, health and infrastructure among others. A brief summary of the achievements and status of fourteen (14) multilateral/bilateral funded projects is set out below. Reform of Secondary Education The major objective of this project is to support the Government’s efforts in:
The project is on target to achieve these objectives. Since its inception in 1993, there has been major achievements in the areas of curriculum development, training, educational materials and infrastructure. Common curricula was introduced in 131 Primary, Junior High, Comprehensive and High Schools in the core subjects. One hundred and forty seven (147) distance education modules were developed and three (3) development studies were completed. Over 600 School Administrators and teachers, along with School Board Chairpersons and Education Officers have been trained under the project. Schools have been supplied with educational support materials and textbooks. The refurbishing of twenty eight (28) schools has been completed. An additional twenty-five (25) contracts in the "extend and refurbish" category have been awarded. Of these, eleven (11) have been completed and the others are at various stages of completion. One new school is under construction. The project is scheduled for completion in the FY 2000/01 with the:
New Horizon for Primary Schools The objective of this USAID grant funded project is to increase literacy and numeracy in targeted schools by the provision of quality education in low performing schools. Since its inception in 1998, needs assessment and analysis have been completed in 72 schools and development plans have also been completed. Ninety-five (95) computers and printers, as well as softwares have also been procured for schools and 432 parents received initial training in parental education. It is anticipated that in FY 2000/01, the Breakfast programme will be implemented in 8 Primary schools. The reproduction and distribution of 200 School Board operations manuals and 200 parenting manuals are also to be undertaken. Seven hundred (700) teachers will be trained in innovative methods for teaching Mathematics and Reading. Supplementary materials will be procured for 72 schools and 150 Instructional Computers installed. Students’ Loan The main purpose of this project is to increase equitable access to tertiary education by providing needy Jamaican students with adequate financing options to pay for higher education. Since its inception, $903 million has been approved for a total of 119,834 loans. The Students’ Loan programme will continue the trend of increasing loan allocation to other needy students. Effective and meaningful changes will be made so that Loan repayments will be brought under control and students will not have to drop-out of universities and colleges because they are unable to pay fees or find collateral. Health Services Rationalization The main objectives of this project are:
The new May Pen hospital, as well as the refurbishing of the Cornwall and University hospitals has been completed and commissioned. Construction work is in progress at the Kingston Public, Mandeville and St. Ann’s Bay hospitals. The first floor of the KPH has been completed and occupied. Work continues on the A and E Buildings at the KPH as well as on other blocks of the Mandeville hospital, along with the Sewage Treatment Plant and construction of road and gate house. These activities are expected to be completed this financial year. The Maternity and Pediatrics, X-ray, Sewage Treatment Plant and Casualty Departments of the St. Ann’s Bay hospital are near completion. Other works are in progress and completion is scheduled during the financial year. Health Sector Reform Programme This programme seeks to improve the financial sustainability of the health sector and the efficiency, equity and quality of health care services. The decentralization of the Health Sector is well advanced. The most significant achievement to date is the signing of the Ministry of Health’s first Annual Service Agreement, which specify responsibilities and performance targets to be met by the regions. Considerable progress has been made in the adoption of the maintenance systems in the Pilot Western Region. Old Harbour By-Pass The heavy traffic passing through the town of Old Harbour generally results in severe congestion. Construction of 14.2 km of a two lane highway, by-passing the town of Old Harbour, will benefit the economy as well as the environment by reducing traffic congestion, reduce noise and air pollution and promote tourism activity in the western part of the island. To date, excavation work for the central pier and western abutment has been completed. Excavation and clearing for access roads are in progress, and excavation for the foundation has commenced. Over 90% of total land required for the construction of the By-pass has been handed over to the Contractor. Ninety percent (90%) of graves have been relocated and the topographical map regarding land for Free Town Primary School has been prepared. This project was originally slated for completion in FY 1999/00, however due to problems not envisaged, fell behind schedule. Consequently, the completion date has been extended to December 2001. Norman Manley Airport Since 1996, the Government has been undertaking major rehabilitation works on the facilities of the Norman Manley International Airport. This is to improve the efficiency, quality and sustainability of the Airport in keeping with a commitment to maintain its No. 1 rating in the World. Work completed to date include:
The project is expected to be completed and fully commissioned into service this financial year. Parish Infrastructure Development The major objective of this project is to improve the capacities of Parish Councils to deliver basic services in an efficient and sustainable manner, within Government’s stated commitment to Local Government Reform. This project encompasses three (3) components:
Through assistance from the Inter-American Development Bank, preparatory work is near completion. Implementation of work on all three components is expected to begin this financial year. Solid Waste Management The Government has embarked on the implementation of a Solid Waste Management Project, which is intended to improve Solid Waste Management across the island. The aim is to establish a National Solid Waste Management Policy, which meets national and international standards while providing efficient, integrated and reliable waste collection and disposal services. Preparatory works are near completion and construction of site facilities and preparation of Solid Waste Management Plans are expected to commence this financial year. Northern Jamaica Development This project seeks to improve the physical infrastructure from Negril to Port Antonio. Construction of the Highway has been divided into three segments: Segment 1: Negril to Montego Bay Segment 2: Montego Bay to Ocho Rios Segment 3: Ocho Rios to Port Antonio There has been some delay in completion of the Highway project. Segment 1: Approximately 42.5% of the total work has been completed. The contractor has been granted a one (1) year extension with a revised completion date of September 2000. Segment 2: While no physical work has yet commenced, negotiations have been taking place with property owners. To date, fifteen (15) properties have been acquired; the relocation of three (3) households has commenced and prequalification of three (3) contractors carried out. Segment 3: Pre-construction activities are in progress, including the preparation of contract drawing and bidding documents. One parcel of land has been acquired and acquisition of three resettlement sites for relocation of households is being finalised. South Gully Drainage and Flood Control Sixty Five percent (65%) of the construction work has been completed. Final completion is expected in this financial year. Jamaica Social Investment Fund The main objectives of this project are to:
The project has contributed to improved living and working conditions in areas targeted. To date, 220 projects in the areas of Social and Economic Infrastructure, Social Services and Organization Strengthening have been approved. Of this total, 98 have been completed. The objective in this financial year is to complete the remaining sub-projects approved in last financial year and to implement new sub-projects in areas of Water, Health, Education, Infrastructure and Skills Training. Multisectoral Pre-Investment Programme The aim is to strengthen Investment Programme and Management in the Public Sector and finance Pre-Investment Studies for selected priority projects. To date, studies for the Watershed Management Programme, National Irrigation Plan and the South Coast Development have been completed. Contracts for Y2K Public Education, Private Sector Study and Cultural Heritage Tourism have also been awarded. In this financial year the Public Education Programme, Private Sector, Cultural/Heritage and Toll Road Concession studies are to be completed. Private Investment and Export Development The objective of this project is to increase the international competitiveness and sustainable export capacity of Jamaican firms. To date, US$23 million has been disbursed to the Jamaica Exporters Association, National Development Bank and the Agricultural Credit Bank for onlending to the tourism, apparel, horticultural and agro-business sectors. The financial sector has also benefited from technical assistance under this programme. The remaining US$12 million is expected to be disbursed this financial year. Land Administration and Management Programme The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved the loan for this project in November 1999. The purpose of this programme is to support Government in its effort to establish a dynamic land market that promotes an efficient use of the resource. The project consists of four components:
Activities to satisfy conditions prior to first disbursement in August 2000 are in progress. It is projected that in this financial year, a Steering Committee and Coordinating Unit will be established, equipment will be procured, specialists will be contracted, a field team will be trained and field work will commence. || Previous | Table of Contents| Next ||
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