Kingston mayor demands report on building breach amid Integrity Commission probe
Published:Wednesday | December 11, 2024 | 3:31 PM
Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby says a written report has been demanded from the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation's (KSAMC) Chief Engineering Officer on the construction of an apartment complex, which the Integrity Commission says has breached building law.
In a report tabled in Parliament yesterday, the commission said Estatebridge Holdings Limited built more rooms than permitted.
It said the municipal corporation "failed" to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the building permit issued to Estatebridge.
The commission stated that the company is linked to Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his business partner.
Holness has dismissed being connected to the company and has accused the anti-corruption body of seeking to damage his reputation.
Estatebridge has also dismissed the findings of the report.
Swaby, in a statement this afternoon, said that in keeping with a commitment to transparency and keeping the public informed, a meeting was called today of the corporation's Building and Planning Department.
He said the report of the Chief Engineering Officer will look at all the necessary processes to be followed post-approval and the series of events leading up to the commission's report.
“I believe the KSAMC's own internal review of the matter is absolutely necessary as we seek to conduct our affairs with the utmost professionalism, transparency, honesty, and integrity,” said Swaby.
He said the report must be submitted within 48 hours to better enable me to act upon the internal and IC findings and recommendations.
“Finally, I want to reassure the public that after all investigations are completed, the KSAMC will take the necessary actions to ensure that the laws relating to our building approvals are strictly adhered to and enforced.”
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