The National Rural Development Project has given residents of the Banks community Clarendon some reassurance that their community will see sustainable economic and social developments over the next two (2) years.

The community in Southern Clarendon is one of five rural communities to benefit from a $650 million rural development project.

The community has for years struggled with access to basic amenities. The situation was worsened by the closure of the Monymusk Sugar Factory, which worsened economic conditions in the area.

The State Minister in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Homer Davis, visited the community to meet with residents ahead of the project.

Minister Davis says the program seeks to eliminate social and economic issues plaguing rural communities.

Residents say they are welcoming talks of development in the area and hope that the development brings them job opportunities.

Other communities set to benefit are Cheswick in St. Thomas, Lawrence Tavern in St. Andrew, Cheese Field in St. Catherine, and Chambers Pen in Hanover.

More in this CVM Live story from Christeen Forbes: