The project is expected to be completed in two years at a cost of $83.7 million.

The existing building housing the Jamaica Fire Brigade is structurally unsound and its layout is unable to adequately accommodate the fire-fighting vehicles.

Whiteman said the decision to construct the fire station was based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Local Government, Community Development and Sport.

In July last year, the Observer reported that Member of Parliament for North Trelawny Dr Patrick Harris had made a written request for an additional fire unit and a new fire station for Falmouth.

Whiteman told Monday's post-Cabinet press briefing that the proposal was "well supported, given the fact that apart from the need for the citizens of the area to have an appropriate fire service - which is a national requirement - Falmouth is an area slated for significant development in tourism and it is therefore particularly important that as that infrastructure is being put in, that the fire services are appropriately provided for".

In July, Cabinet approved the award of a contract to Rosenbauer America LLC for the procurement of 33 new vehicles for the Jamaica Fire Brigade. The package, which is being financed by the government and through loan funds, includes the provision of four water tenders, four foam tenders and 25 pumpers, in addition to all equipment, tools and service maintenance for five years.

Local Government Minister Portia Simpson Miller had announced in her sectoral presentation in the House of Representatives earlier this year that the first batch of eight vehicles for the service was slated to arrive in the island within eight months after the signing of the contract. A date is yet to be set for the signing.