JARRETT Lane, off Mountain View Avenue in east Kingston, is in line for a facelift, thanks to the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), it was announced Wednesday.

A statement from the JSIF said residents of Jarrett Lane should have easier access to the road in five months when the repairs are expected to be completed.

The project is being financed by the Government through a loan from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

The JSIF has put up $5.4 million for the project, with another $1 million coming from the Long Mountain Community Club. Londy Ottey, president of that organisation, said the deteriorating condition of Jarrett Lane prevents residents from there and other communities from participating in recreational activities.

Rohan Bell, the JSIF's social officer, told The Gleaner,yesterday, that although most of the casual workers will be selected from Jarrett Lane, persons from neighbouring communities will be given temporary employment.

"The plan we will be using is going to be community-based, which has been the case in the past," Mr. Bell said.

History of friction

He said the JSIF was aware of friction in the past between Jarrett Lane residents and nearby communities. A meeting is planned for next Tuesday between Superintendent Assan Thompson, head of the Kingston Eastern Police Division, community leaders and officials from Alcar Construction and Haulage Company, which has been awarded the contract for Jarrett Lane's restoration.

"It (crime) is a concern, but we have found that if most of the workers are from the community, that normally goes a long way in easing the hostility," he said.