Government to spend $250m on beach rehabilitation project

The government is to spend some $250 million to upgrade and rehabilitate beaches across the island as part of efforts to improve public access to them.

Tourism Minister, Dr Wykeham McNeill, says a total of 30 beaches will be targeted under the programme being financed by the Tourism Enhancement Fund.

The first renovated facility, Burwood Beach on the outskirts of Falmouth, was opened last week and McNeill says work is now underway on five other facilities.

He says the facility has been equipped with a children's play area, picnic areas and gazebos, restrooms and changing facilities, seating, lifeguard towers, water and electricity supply as well as parking.

The tourism minister says his ministry believes more Jamaicans should benefit directly from the tourism sector and the programme will provide access to world class beach facilities across the island.

He emphasises that while tourism is growing, it must play its part in enhancing the quality of life of Jamaicans.