$883 Million to Protect Physical Infrastructure

For the 2014/15 fiscal year, the government aims to rehabilitate, restore and protect critical sections of the physical infrastructure in Jamaica and reduce the vulnerability and difficulties, which have arisen for the entire Kingston Metropolitan Area (KMA).

To this end, $883.4 million has been allocated in the 2014/15 Estimates of Expenditure for the Tropical Storm Nicole-KMA Drainage Project.

The project is funded by the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Jamaica.

Achievements up to March 2014 include: the appointment of a project management team for project/contact administration; engineering consultancy firm engaged to provide design and supervision services for the works; and drainage rehabilitation works within the Kingston Metropolitan Area – Sandy Gully, 95 per cent completed.

For the upcoming fiscal year, it is anticipated that the remaining 5 per cent of the drainage rehabilitation works for Sandy Gully will be completed; commence and complete four new drainage rehabilitation works packages/sections in the KMA (Sandy Gully), to include repairs to invert slabs, reconstruction of retaining walls and restoration of adjacent properties; and release all retention payments.

It is expected that the works will be completed by December 2014.