Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ), says it expects to spend one billion dollars to retrofit a building in Mandeville, Manchester which is to provide tax services.

Commissioner General at TAJ, Ainsley Powell says the bidding process for the retrofitting works will close tomorrow, May 29.

TAJ leasing arrangements have come under scrutiny, after it was revealed that millions have been spent to lease two buildings which are yet to be occupied.

This was documented in an Auditor General’s report tabled in March. 

The other building is in Annotto Bay St. Mary.

Speaking at this morning’s meeting of parliament’s Public Accounts Committee , Mr. Powell stated that to date, 451 million dollars has been spent on lease for the building in Manchester.

The lease agreement was signed in 2020.

It’s anticipated that the building will be ready for use, by September next year.

The Commissioner General also said 23 million dollars has been spent to date to lease the building in Annotto Bay St. Mary .

That lease agreement was signed in December 2021.

Mr. Powell explained that works are expected to commence on June 10, to get the building ready for occupation, by the third quarter of this year.

He said the contracts for retrofitting the Annotto Bay office have gone through the procurement process.