More than $90 million spent to renovate police barracks
Published:Saturday | March 5, 2022 | 12:09 AM
Four buildings at Harman Barracks have been renovated to the tune of $93.4 million.
The barracks, which have a capacity of 72 persons per building, is home to members of the Specialised Operations Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang said it was embarrassing to have professionals who respond to high violence living in the run-down facilities.
Through funding from the National Housing Trust (NHT), Chang said the barracks have been restored to a “liveable space”.
Long-term plan
The security minister said the remainder of the buildings at Harman Barracks will be refurbished in short order.
“There is a longer-term plan for further development but in the short term, we are refurbishing all the buildings,” Chang said.
NHT senior project manager, Jacqueline Johnson, said they had a budget of $104 million but only $93.4 million was paid out.
“We removed everything. All that we left were the walls. So we replaced all the windows, all the electrical works were done, painting, we equipped the buildings with washing machines and dryers and kitchen appliances,” Johnson explained.
NHT senior general manager, Donald Moore, said the trust is proud to partner with the JCF to improve the conditions of police facilities across the island.
“We understand how critical it is to national security and I think that the move to make sure that our communities are safe is a very important part of housing. We are quite happy with the results and I know based on the response of the people who are using the space, that it will be well appreciated,” Moore said.
Meanwhile, head of the Specialised Operations Branch, Assistant Commissioner of Police Warren Clarke, said he was satisfied with the efforts to make members of the force more comfortable.
“Enforcement takes a lot of energy, a lot of investment in training and other things and so after working hard, it’s very welcoming to be able to enjoy the facilities that have been made available for us,” Clarke remarked.