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By Kimone Witter
Teams from the National Works Agency are continuing their assessment of damage to roads affected by intense rainfall, flooding and strong winds associated with Tropical Storm Rafael.
The passage of the storm on Tuesday has added to the challenges in several regions which have been experiencing sustained rainfall and saturated conditions resulting in landslides, fallen trees and blocked roads.
Robert Morgan, Minister with responsibility for Works, says breakaways, landslides and flooded roads have been reported in Westmoreland, St. Catherine, St. Thomas, St. Ann, St. Mary, Manchester, Clarendon, Kingston and St. Andrew.
But Mr. Morgan says the preliminary assessment suggests the damage to the road network is not significant.
"We haven't had any major road destruction, but we have had some landslides particularly in places like east rural [and] west rural Clarendon. We have had some issues in St. Thomas and so on. But our assessment continues, and by later this evening, we will have a better assessment of the damage," he said.
He noted that targeted interventions will include the cleaning of silted drains, restoration of main thoroughfares, and the construction of infrastructure such as retaining walls and river training as funds allow.
On Tuesday, the NWA said nearly 30 roads were affected by the tropical storm.
The agency has deployed teams and resources to clear blocked routes and restore access to critical areas.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has said priority must be given to areas where essential services and first responders, including the Jamaica Public Service Company and the National Water Commission, require access to provide aid and support.
He said the preliminary estimate of the damage from Tropical Storm Rafael is between half a billion to a billion dollars.
Addressing Wednesday's post Cabinet media briefing, Prime Minister Holness said through the $5 billion Contingency Fund, the government is in a position to finance the repairs to the road network without the need to borrow. He said borrowing funds for road repairs would have had a significant fiscal impact.
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