Welcome to our recap of the latest Local Governance and Community Development Live Forum. This session explored Clarendon’s infrastructure and traffic management, featuring in-depth discussions with Mayor Joel Williams and Acting Chief Engineering Officer Clevon Watson.
You can watch the replay on our YouTube channel if you missed the live session.
Introduction
This month’s forum highlighted ongoing and future infrastructure and traffic management initiatives in Clarendon. As part of our regular forums in partnership with the Clarendon Municipal Corporation, this session brought valuable insights from Mayor Joel Williams, who filled in for the Chairman of the Infrastructure and Traffic Management Committee, Councillor Clive Mundle.
Forum Highlights: Clarendon Infrastructure and Traffic Management Committee
1. Responsibilities and Challenges of the Committee
Mayor Joel Williams outlined the key responsibilities of the Infrastructure and Traffic Management Committee, emphasising its critical role in maintaining roads, bridges, and public utilities. The aim is to ensure that infrastructure remains durable, with roads lasting five to eight years before needing significant repairs.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Ensuring equitable access to roads and infrastructure across Clarendon.
Maintaining public utilities, parks, and public infrastructure.
Overseeing projects that withstand weather and time challenges.
Challenges Highlighted:
Ageing infrastructure in need of urgent repairs or replacement.
Limited funding, often leads to prioritising essential repairs over comprehensive maintenance.
Increased rainfall and extreme weather linked to climate change, putting further strain on the existing infrastructure.
2. Decision-Making and Priority Setting
Addressing concerns about infrastructure in areas prone to landslips and flooding, Mayor Williams explained how engineers play a vital role in assessing road durability. He also emphasised the importance of community consultations to ensure priority is given to urgent needs.
Mayor Williams Highlighted:
The involvement of political representatives and community associations in decision-making.
Community engagement is a critical tool for understanding local priorities.
3. Traffic Management Initiatives
A major focus of the forum was on traffic congestion in Clarendon’s busy town centres like May Pen, Frankfield, and Kellits. Mayor Williams discussed future traffic management plans, including converting roads into one-way systems and installing 15 new traffic signals in May Pen with support from the National Works Agency.
Key Steps for Traffic Management:
Conducting comprehensive assessments of the road infrastructure.
Collaborating with the National Works Agency to ensure smooth implementation.
Community consultations to align changes with public convenience.
4. Community Engagement
Winsome Sherrier Witter, the forum’s host, highlighted the importance of integrating community feedback into infrastructure planning. Mayor Williams shared his experience from a recent meeting with the Glenmuir Citizen Association, underscoring the significance of community participation.
Effective Community Engagement Strategies Include:
Regular town hall meetings and public forums.
Leveraging social media to reach a broader audience.
Direct meetings with community associations to address specific concerns.
5. Maintenance and Development
Clevon Watson provided an insightful overview of the balancing act between maintaining existing infrastructure and pursuing new developments. He stressed the need for a long-term infrastructure master plan, ensuring that maintenance and development align with Clarendon’s sustainable growth.
Strategies for Effective Maintenance and Development:
Implementing a comprehensive asset management system.
Securing diversified funding sources, including grants.
Using emerging technologies to improve monitoring and infrastructure management.
Additional Topics Addressed
Markets and Cemeteries: Upgrades to the May Pen Market include improvements to sanitary facilities and roof repairs. Additionally, a new cemetery is being developed with 15 acres of land provided by Jamalco.
Commercial Expansion: Mayor Williams discussed the growth of businesses in May Pen, particularly along key commercial corridors.
Viewer Engagement
Audience participation was lively, with several key questions addressed:
Installation of a traffic light at the Mineral Heights Boulevard and Vere Main Road intersection.
A request for a town hall meeting in Four Paths.
Expansion plans for commercial and geographical areas in May Pen.
Efforts to address flooding issues in Guinep Tree.
Conclusion
This forum offered valuable insights into Clarendon’s infrastructure and traffic management. With a focus on strategic planning, community involvement, and leveraging available resources, the Clarendon Municipal Corporation is working towards long-term solutions to the parish’s infrastructure challenges.
Here’s how you can reach out:
Clarendon Municipal Corporation: 876-986-2234 / 986-2216
Mayor Joel Williams: 876-582-0967
Winsome Sherrier Witter (Serenity Resource Connector): 876-871-8960 (WhatsApp Available)
Stay Connected
Stay up-to-date with future forums and community initiatives by subscribing and following us:
Website: Serenity Resource Connector
YouTube: Subscribe Here
Social Media: Follow Us Across Platforms
We encourage you to share this blog post and the replay link to keep the conversation going. Together, we can build a resilient, prosperous, and inclusive community in Clarendon.
Acknowledgements
A special thanks to the Clarendon Municipal Corporation, Mayor Joel Williams, Clevon Watson, and our engaged audience for their invaluable contribution to the success of this forum.
Comments