Work is set to commence on the long-anticipated Portmore Resilience Park project in Portmore, St Catherine on February 5, says Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

The prime minister made the announcement on Wednesday, January 17, during a ceremony organised by the Urban Development Commission (UDC).

The J$4.4-billion, government-funded project is expected to be completed in September of next year.

“Today marks a historic moment in the history of Portmore, as we gather in the heart of the new city, the new parish under the radiant Jamaican sun not just to inaugurate a park but to witness the birth of an oasis,” Holness said.

The park is set to yield some 400 direct jobs and 200 indirect jobs during its construction phase. It is expected create 70 direct jobs and 30 indirect jobs from the daily operation of the facility upon completion.

With the current population of Portmore and the deterioration of climatic conditions, the park is set to provide a much-needed green space to assist in alleviating some of the negative impact.

The climate-resilient park will feature soft and hard landscapes, sporting facilities, event spaces, commercial spaces and public restrooms, electric vehicle charging stations, among other amenities.

“A large part of the park is educational, so right around the park you will have signs and interactive equipment that will give you information about climate change, about conservation, about recycling and climate change,” Holness stressed.

The prime minister said the aim is to have a resilience park in each parish across Jamaica.