Young men from Rema engaging in conversation with Loy Malcolm (right), general manager, project management at JSIF, at the community launch for the Integrated Community Development Project last Wednesday.

A new multi-agency project which will see the upgrade of infrastructure and the implementation of critical social programmes in Rema, south St Andrew, has been launched.

The Integrated Community Development Project (ICDP), financed by the World Bank for implementation in 18 communities islandwide, is aimed at a sustainable improvement in resident's lives.

Partners who will share project execution are the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), the Ministry of National Security, National Solid Waste Management Agency (NSWMA) and the Social Development Commission.

Originally christened Wilton Gardens, Rema, borded by Denham Town, Arnett Gardens, Tivoli Gardens and Trench Town, has been affected by years of gang warfare and is in need of infrastructural repairs and social development.

The ICDP project - with total financing from the World Bank of US$42m - will include improvement in access to basic infrastructure such as roads, storm water drainage, sewage, water supply, household sanitation connections, and zinc fence replacement.

The project will also provide a range of social services interventions, including after-school educational and recreation projects, minor rehabilitation to school infrastructure, provision of birth certificates, mentorship, employment and skill training opportunities for youth through partnerships with numerous entities, including HEART Trust/NTA, NSWMA, and private-sector companies' support to vulnerable students and their parents.

General manager, project management at JSIF, Loy Malcolm, speaking at the project launch, said ICDP will seek to advance the goals of Vision 2030 goals in Wilton Gardens and Rose Town.

"The Integrated Community Development Project is reflective of the National Vision 2030, which aims to provide a better place for Jamaicans to live, work, raise families and do business," she said.

JSIF will train residents to manage and maintain the infrastructure.