Rasbert Turner, Portmore Star Writer

The opening of the Cedar Grove High School in Portmore is set to alleviate the shortage of classrooms in the municipality.

"This is a $660 million investment which is slated for completion for the start of the September term. It is progressing smoothly," Arnoldo Brown, member of parliament for East Central St Catherine, said.

Brown told THE PORTMORE STAR that upon completion, the school is expected to enrol 1,200 students.

Mayor George Lee said the school would be a welcome addition to Portmore.

Lee, who said the two-storey structure was being built within the municipality's budget, told THE PORTMORE STAR that there was a deficit of over 7,000 spaces in Portmore schools.

"There are many of our children who have to be going to Kingston, Spanish Town, and other areas, so the school is necessary," Marcia Melbourne, a resident of Cedar Grove, said.

Her views were echoed by other residents.

THE PORTMORE STAR learnt that about 300 persons had gained employment from the venture, and it was revealed that upon completion, about 40 teachers would be employed.