Wright committed to building Westmoreland Central
Published:Thursday | November 28, 2024 | 12:06 AMCarl Gilchrist/Gleaner Writer
Member of Parliament (MP) for Westmoreland Central, George Wright, says he is committed to building his constituency and used his contribution to the State of the Constituency Debate on Tuesday to highlight some of the developments taking place there.
Addressing the House of Representatives, Wright, who in 2021 resigned from the Jamaica Labour Party amid controversy around physical abuse allegations, said the past year was characterised by hard work and determination, resulting in tangible progress in several areas.
Through the Rural Electrification Programme, 250 homes in Savanna-la-Mar, including Gully Bank, are being wired with 39 new poles, 559 metres of secondary lines, and three transformers, Wright told the House.
“These initiatives are more than just poles and wires. They represent an investment in safety, youth opportunities, and a brighter future for all,” Wright said.
He revealed that the initiative has led to reduced crime, increased employment, and greater youth involvement.
Turning to road improvement, Wright listed several roads in Westmoreland Central that have been rehabilitated in what he described as the largest investment in road infrastructure in the history of the parish.
These include the Whithorn to Darliston road, which has been fully rehabilitated, while there has been improvement in roads at Welcome, Content, Strawberry, Shrewsbury, Logwood, Bullet Tree, Cold Spring, and Cornwall.
Wright also disclosed that, under the SPARK programme, approximately $1 billion has been earmarked for major repairs to roads in the constituency, including the Savanna-la-Mar to Grange Hill, Hertford to Flower Hill, and Torrington to Barham roads.
“Through my effort, the National Housing Trust has approved $120 million each to rehabilitate the roads and drains in Llandillo and Shrewsbury, the housing schemes. Motorists and residents alike will benefit from these significant investments, and I extend my gratitude to the Government on behalf of the people,” he said. “Additionally, flooding issues have been addressed in areas like Georges Plain, Three Miles River, Shrewsbury, Logwood, Williamsfield, and Hertford through the construction of U drains.”
Turning to water distribution, the MP told the House that Westmoreland Central boasts a “fantastic” water source in the Roaring River and efforts are under way to improve water systems in several communities.
Among the areas to benefit are Cornwall Mountain, Welcome, Porter’s Mountain, New Town, and Bird Mountain.
Wright also disclosed that construction would begin next year on a bamboo pulp factory that will create jobs for constituents while promoting sustainability and transitioning farmers from sugar cane to bamboo cultivation.
In the area of security and law enforcement, Wright said construction is under way for a new Savanna-la-Mar police headquarters, costing $2.7 billion.
“I stand with pride in our progress and remain committed to building a resilient and prosperous Westmoreland Central. With infrastructure upgrades, education initiatives, and community development, we’re laying a strong foundation for prosperity,” Wright concluded.