$1 Billion dollars allocated for flood repairs – Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Tuesday, October 27, announced a budget of $1 billion dollars to assist in clearing roads and desilting drains that have been flooded by the torrential rains.

The heavy rains associated with tropical storm Zeta led to the tragic death of two, roads destroyed island-wide and residents displaced.  A preliminary assessment indicates that over 80 roads island-wide were severely affected, of which, 6 including the Bog Walk Gorge remain closed to vehicular traffic. Preliminary estimates for flood damage are close to two billion dollars.

However, with limited resources, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the government will be strategic in the allocation of said resources…Calls have reignited for the government to urgently address the island’s drainage and infrastructure problems.

Calls have reignited for the government to urgently address the island’s drainage and infrastructure problems. According to Prime Minister Holness, the role of residents in flood risk management is a critical one.