After almost two years of inactivity, the elevator at the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre in St Andrew is set to be repaired as part of general maintenance work on the facility ahead of the start to the new school year.

The elevator has been inoperable since the beginning of 2022, due to issues with the mechanism responsible for opening and closing the doors.

Keith Blake, general manager for the JUTC Half-Way Tree and downtown Kingston transport centres, explained yesterday that the immediate plan is to replace the elevator for $1 million. However, there are challenges with procurement.

“They are sourcing the parts. The person who is contracted to do so is having some challenges because what they’re saying is that this elevator is now obsolete, so they don’t have any parts now to repair it. So they’re searching all over the world to see if they can get parts for it,” said Blake.

He pointed out that the elevator is critical for assisting the elderly and disabled community, who use it instead of the stairs to manoeuver the transport centre. Blake suggested that instead of repairing the broken elevator, the Government should procure a new one.

During a tour of the Half-Way Transport Centre yesterday, August 3, the issue was brought to the attention of Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Daryl Vaz.

After an update from the general manager, Vaz said he would initiate dialogue with the Ministry of Finance to procure a new elevator. However, he still sees value in repairing the current elevator.

“I have identified that there is some maintenance that needs to be done. The elevator is not working. The electrical situation also is an issue with lighting and, of course, some minor roof repairs that need to be done. I think this will be the first time that the centre will get some well-needed attention to ensure that it is comfortable for the commuting public,” the minister outlined.