St Catherine municipality says repairs to Linstead Police Station being fast-tracked

The St Catherine Municipal Corporation says plans are afoot to fast-track remedial work on the building which houses the Linstead Police Station.

This was disclosed by the chief executive officer of the corporation, Marilyn Pitter, at today's monthly meeting of the local government body.

"Councillors we have written to the Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Justice outlining the criteria of the remedial project, which is expected to make lives better for the police and we are awaiting a response to deal with it," Pitter said.

"I was also in dialogue with Mr Delroy Chuck [Minister of Justice] on the situation so it is being addressed," she added.

The police have been crying out for assistance since the roof of the station was damaged during the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3.

The untenable situation at the station was raised at today's meeting by Chairman of the Health and Sanitation Committee, Councillor Sydney Rose.

"The members are saddened and some discontent, while there are cases of respiratory illnesses due the mould, which is associated with the passage of Hurricane Beryl," Rose asserted.

Concerns were expressed that the situation at the building, which also houses the courthouse in the town, poses a public health risk.

Councillors expressed the view that attention is needed to improve conditions to better serve members of the public and personnel who use the building.

"It is urgent as members of the public have to stand outside during visits. The police are also outside and the slightest rain causes great inconvenience," Councillor of the Linstead division Herbert Garriques said.

- Rasbert Turner

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