Relocation and Zoning Programme to be Developed

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is to convene a meeting shortly with a number of agencies and organizations, to identify no-build areas for housing, alternative safer sites and develop a programme for relocation and zoning.
“This will have the full force of the law,” the Prime Minister emphasized, during a national broadcast on Wednesday (Aug. 29). “We cannot provide for every type of natural disaster, but we can at least do those things within our power to minimize loss of life and property. The devastation at Caribbean Terrace, Rocky Point, Portland Cottage, Old Harbour Bay and sections of St. Thomas should not be repeated,” she said.
The agencies to be included in the meeting are: the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), the Jamaica Institute of Engineers, the Jamaica Institute of Architects, and other relevant Non-Governmental Organisations, and government agencies.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said the situation in Portland Cottage, Clarendon, which was severely affected by Hurricane Dean, has improved.
She informed that among the measures that have been implemented are: the placement of a 16,000-gallon water tank to provide a steady supply of water to residents; two 20-foot containerized bathrooms with toilets, showers and wash basins; and two temporary generator-powered lighting towers.
Food, drinking water and medical care have also been provided to the residents by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Ministry of Health and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as Food for the Poor.
She said work has begun, to repair and re-build Food for the Poor houses and those in government schemes damaged or destroyed by the hurricane in Portland Cottage. This is being undertaken by Food for the Poor.
Similar activities have been accelerated in the communities of Rocky Point, Mitchell Town, Lionel Town, Old Harbour Bay, and a number of seriously affected communities in St. Thomas, Portland, and St. Elizabeth.