Trelawny Municipal Corporation generating millions in building fees
Published:Tuesday | January 24, 2017 | 12:00 AMLeon Jackson
Western Bureau:
With a raft of new developments in the parish in recent years, indications are that the Trelawny Municipal Corporation (TMC) has garnered in excess of $448 million in building fees over the past 10 years.
While not confirming the sum in question, which was calculated through information provided by the municipal corporation, Falmouth’s mayor, Councillor Colin Gager, admitted that significant amounts were generated through building fees.
“We have collected a significant amount of money, which we are using to do parish council business,” said Gager, when quizzed as to how the funds were being spent.
The building fees were largely as a result of major private housing developments in Florence Hall and Coral Spring, as well as houses constructed by the National Housing Trust (NHT).
The records at the TMC show that 800 houses were constructed in Florence Hall, 450 in Coral Spring, and 192 by the NHT. Other housing schemes were constructed in the parish, including a project in Martha Brae. However, details of these developments were not available for scrutiny by The Gleaner.
“The sum of $448 million is really a conservative figure, as it is based on the information that is available to us,” a municipal corporation source told The Gleaner. “I am sure the sum is at least marginally higher.”
In the meantime, residents said they would like to see the funds used for purposes such as drain-cleaning and the creation of tourism attractions.