$400 million allocated for disaster preparedness

 

As part of heightened measures to respond to the threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa, the government has doubled its allocation for constituency-level disaster preparedness from $200 million to $400 million. 

 

Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, Robert Nesta Morgan, said the decision follows a directive from Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness to intensify national readiness and flood mitigation efforts ahead of the storm. 

 

"Recognising the evolution of the movement of the storm, the Prime Minister has also instructed that an additional $200 million be allocated for a disaster preparedness. At this point we can confirm that every constituency across the island has been allocated at least $3 million to aid in their disaster mitigation efforts, led by the National Works Agency in collaboration with members of Parliament and other parties within their geographic areas," he noted.

 

Minister Morgan said the focus is now on several low-lying, flood-prone areas, national assets and, in particular, the parishes of St. Elizabeth and Manchester, based on the impact of Hurricane Beryl. 

 

"Our position now from the National Works Agency and the Works portfolio is to strategically place equipment across the island and engage our local contractors in preparation if there is need for the removal of debris and the clearing of roads. During this storm, if it does come, we will maintain a posture of observation as well as collaborating with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management in case there is need for emergency activity to provide access to vulnerable persons who may have challenges," said the Minister with responsibility for Works.