MARCH PEN (Africa)

Community Profile

Community Liaison Officer

Stacy Ann Gavin Liaison Officer Email:stacyann.gavin@jsif.org Telephone:929-1620

March Pen (Africa) experiences socio-economic problems very similar to the other ICBSP communities in Spanish Town, especially high unemployment which is exacerbated by area stigma. Africa forms part of the larger March Pen Road area, it lies south of the Spanish Town By-pass and to the north west of Tamarind Farm Prison. The total area covered by Africa (including Spanish Villa) is 0.260 km, the population, calculated from the 2001 census, is 3,254, giving a residential density of 125 persons per ha. Water available to the community is in short supply and there are problems with the water pressure. The community reports the sewage system is very poor and streetlights do not work (no bulbs). They also report problems with the drains and sidewalks.

Houses in March Pen Road were scattered until the 1970s when the area became more built up. Today, Africa is typified by mainly poor quality housing, built with a mixture of permanent and semi-permanent materials. The road pattern is well defined but many roads are unsurfaced, narrow and require maintenance. The topography is predominantly flat and presents challenges to future efficient surface water drainage.

Houses in March Pen Road were scattered until the 1970s when the area became more built up. Today, Africa is typified by mainly poor quality housing, built with a mixture of permanent and semi-permanent materials. The road pattern is well defined but many roads are unsurfaced, narrow and require maintenance. The topography is predominantly flat and presents challenges to future efficient surface water drainage.

There is some evidence of entrepreneurial spirit among skilled community members. For example, a group of cabinetmakers made representation to a merchandising company to make seven beds per month; they were turned down. Despite an entrepreneurial spirit, it seems the stigma of living in Africa precludes many employment opportunities. Residents report that those who live in neighbouring Spanish Villa make a point of disassociating themselves from the Africa community and thus avoid the same levels of stigmatisation.