Falmouth mayor appeals for public help to build new municipal office after Melissa damage

Mayor of Falmouth Collen Gager is appealing to the Trelawny business community and others to assist the municipality with the construction of a new office, which was destroyed by Hurricane Melissa.

Gager made the appeal during an interview with The Gleaner, citing financial and logistical challenges facing the local authority.

According to the mayor, the Ministry of Local Government is currently preparing estimates for the construction of a new municipal building, with projected costs reportedly in the region of $300 million. 

“A number of factors have influenced the decision to go to the public. The Ministry of Local Government is in the process of working on an estimate to build a new municipal building, which figures being bandied about are in the region of $300 million. The present building, which is part of the town’s history, was destroyed by Hurricane Melissa and is estimated to have a repair job of $300 million. We decided to go to the public to help in establishing an office,” Gager said.

The municipality is currently conducting operations from space at the Artisan Village in Falmouth.

However, that arrangement may not be sustainable in the long term.

When contacted, Dr Carey Wallace, manager of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), which oversees the Artisan Village, said the facility is undergoing expansion and will require all available space.

“The village is now in the process of expanding and needs all its spaces,” Wallace said.

Gager disclosed that a location for the proposed office has already been identified near the Falmouth fire station.

“We have two walls down by the fire station. What is needed are two sides, a roof, and a front to be constructed in Georgian architecture to maintain the heritage designation of the town. Sewage and water can be linked to the fire station, which is owned by the municipality,” he explained.

The proposal has received support from some members of the business community.

Clive Bennett, a butcher and supermarket owner, said he is looking forward to the establishment of the new office.

“The place where they are operating from is small and has no shade for clients to hide from the broiling sun,” Bennett said.

- Leon Jackson

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