KSAMC Proposes Building Act Reforms to Strengthen National and Municipal Climate Resilience

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has proposed the revision and sustained enforcement of regulations under the Building Act as strategic measures to strengthen national and municipal resilience to extreme environmental events.

Addressing the KSAMC’s monthly meeting on Tuesday (November 11), Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, noted that the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28 highlighted the importance of strengthening the regulatory framework.

“The current Small Residential Building Code only supports designs for winds of up to 155 miles per hour (MPH). We faced sustained winds of 185 MPH. This is a clear signal that we must update and enforce the regulations under the Building Act without delay,” he said.

Notably, Mayor Swaby emphasised that the locations of critical facilities must be reconsidered.

“Many of our municipal buildings, infirmaries and fire stations sit in vulnerable areas and must be relocated to higher more stable ground,” he noted.

Additionally, Councillor Swaby proposed the implementation of structured evaluation drills to strengthen emergency preparedness.

“[These will] test how people and traffic move in a crisis with the coordination of all key agencies,” he stated.

As Jamaica’s hurricane recovery efforts progress, Councillor Swaby is emphasising the need for planners and environmental experts to be given a central role in guiding the rebuilding process.

“Our local authorities must be properly equipped and empowered to carry out their responsibilities effectively. These steps are not optional, they are necessary if we are to protect lives and secure the future of our communities,” he said.