Fort Augusta women's prison in St. Catherine. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

AMITY HALL, ST. CATHERINE:

Plans are advanced for the construction of a new correctional facility in Amity Hall, St. Catherine.

The facility, which is estimated to cost $750 million, will accommodate both males and females, with a capacity for about 5,000 beds.

Minister of State for National Security, Senator Arthur Williams, who spoke to the media following a tour of correctional institutions, probation and after-care offices in Hanover and Westmoreland last Wednesday, said proposals are now being accepted and this stage of the project should be completed by December 4.

Construction of the facility should begin by late 2008 and the project period is about three years.

Senator Williams said that on completion, the new facility will help to seriously reduce the overcrowding that now exists at the St. Catherine District Prison, Tower Street Adult Correctional Facility, and Fort Augusta.

- JIS