KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona has announced a significant investment of over $168 million dedicated to the refurbishment of its student living facilities at Rex Nettleford Hall and AZ Preston Hall. This extensive renovation, carried out over the summer break, marks the beginning of a comprehensive campus-wide initiative aimed at enhancing the student experience.
As part of this phased renovation project, UWI Mona aims to improve the quality of life and learning for its students by upgrading essential facilities across its residence halls. According to the university, the remaining five halls under UWI management are slated for renovation during the 2024/2025 academic year.
Professor Densil A. Williams, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UWI Mona, emphasized the importance of the project in enriching the overall student experience. “As we continue to design strategies to improve the teaching and learning experience of our students, the campus is pleased to invest in accommodation facilities, an important part of the learning experience. So far this academic year, we have invested over $168 million to carry out renovations to bathroom facilities, living quarters, acquisition of new furniture and appliances among other things,” stated Professor Williams during a tour of the newly renovated halls on September 3, 2024.
Professor Williams highlighted the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the renovation project, crediting the Estate Management Department, Office of Student Services and Development, and other stakeholders for their instrumental roles. “I am pleased that these renovations have been done with a high level of efficiency and a laser focus on cost management. There were no overruns on these projects. The Estate Management Department, Office of Student Services and Development, and other stakeholders must be congratulated for leading this phase of the project. We will continue to make further investments in our facilities over the year as we aim to provide an aesthetically pleasing living environment for our students,” he added.
The renovations at Rex Nettleford Hall included extensive upgrades to 38 households, accommodating 304 students. The improvements span bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, common areas, and dining rooms, along with interior and exterior painting. Similarly, AZ Preston Hall saw upgrades to 13 households, benefiting 75 students, with refurbishments matching those of Rex Nettleford Hall.
As part of the project, UWI Mona has also acquired over 600 new mattresses, approximately 800 kitchen appliances, and more than 80 laundry appliances, all of which are set to be installed in the coming days and weeks.
Ajani Campbell, Chairman of AZ Preston Hall, expressed gratitude for the university’s commitment to creating a nurturing and supportive environment. “We appreciate the administration’s commitment to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for us, and these extensive renovations are a testament to that commitment,” Campbell said. “The renovations became even more necessary after the passage of Hurricane Beryl and we look forward to its completion in the coming months.”
As the UWI Mona campus prepares to undertake further renovations, it remains steadfast in its mission to foster a conducive and enriching environment for its students, strengthening the foundation for their academic and personal growth.
