THE MINISTRY of Labour and Social Security has been authorised to spend up to $25.5 million to purchase property to house the National Insurance Scheme offices in Clarendon.
According to Minister of Information, Burchell Whiteman, the proposal is for Government to construct a modern office building of approximately 12,000 square feet.
"It will house the NIS offices as well as generate investment income from the leasing of additional space," the Information Minister said during yesterday's post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.
The property, located at Main Street, May Pen, now accommodates the May Pen Police Station and, according to Minister Whiteman, has been assessed to be inadequate for its current usage. It will be purchased from the resources of the National Insurance Fund.
ALTERNATIVE SITE
"The May Pen Police Station will be established at an alternative site in May Pen and will benefit from improved infrastructure at the new site," Minister Whiteman said.
The property comprises 3,389 square metres with five buildings disposed over a gross floor area of 900 square metres.
"These buildings are in a derelict state of repair and will therefore have to be demolished," the Information Minister added.
He also announced that the Government will be acquiring a building located in West Ontario, Canada, at a cost of C$1,435,000. It will house the Jamaica Liaison Service.
The Liaison Service is responsible for ensuring the welfare of Jamaican workers in the Canada/Jamaica Farm Workers Programme.
