Chang wants review of UDC operations

Charlene Stuart, Gleaner Writer

The Opposition Spokesperson on Housing and Land, Dr Horace Chang wants the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) to re-examine its operations and its mandate.

Yesterday, the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee heard that the UDC had a net operating loss of $488 million.

Dr. Chang has described the losses as untenable.

He said the country cannot afford any entity that’s bleeding at that level.

Dr. Chang is also urging the UDC to find creative ways to address issues at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

General Manager of the corporation, Desmond Malcolm, yesterday said the centre was a huge drain on the corporation’s budget.

However, Dr Chang said that situation should have been anticipated, explaining that centres like the one at Montego Bay usually take a long time to turn a profit.

He believes the downturn in the global economy is also taking a toll on the centre.

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