Some 28,462 residents of rural Jamaica are expected to have reliable supplies of water when work is completed on some 11 minor water supply systems across the island this fiscal year. A total of $74.46 million has been allocated in this year’s budget to complete these systems. Making the announcement in his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the...

The Real Estate (Dealers and Developers) Act is to be amended to increase fines for breaches and protect the interests of all players in the real estate market. Minister of State in the Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Ian Hayles, made the announcement during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral debate on June 18 in the...

Minister of State in the Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Ian Hayles, says several key statutes, which deal with land development, are slated to be amended in Parliament this year. Making his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 18, Mr. Hayles said these include: the Crown Property Vesting...

The Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, is scheduled to complete rehabilitation of a number of water catchment tanks serving several communities in St. Ann and St. Elizabeth, by August. State Minister, Hon. Ian Hayles, who made the announcement during his Sectoral Debate presentation in the House on June 18, said the tanks, rehabilitation of which is currently...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Noel Arscott, says he expects to table the proposed Disaster Risk Management Bill in Parliament during the current fiscal. Passage of the Bill is expected to boost the resources of the National Disaster Fund (NDF), which currently stands at just over $260 million. The move to boost the Fund, the Minister explains,...

With one week into the 2013 hurricane season, the Westmoreland Parish Council is ensuring that it is fully prepared for any system that may affect the island. Disaster Preparedness Coordinator for the parish, Rev. Hilma Tate, told JIS News that 55 of the 85 shelters have already been inspected and shelter managers are being trained. “Public education sessions are presently...

The National Certification Body of Jamaica (NCBJ) will be conducting an awareness session and workshop to highlight changes and revisions made to environmental requirement standards under which companies, manufacturers and exporters must operate. The session, which is scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, at the Bureau of Standards, 6 Winchester Road, Kingston, will specifically address the International Standardization Organization/International Electrotechnical Commission(ISO/IEC)...

Approximately $4.1 billion is to be spent by the Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL) over the next three years to restore and upgrade water supply systems in rural communities. The undertaking is in keeping with Government’s policy to ensure that all households have access to potable water and adequate sanitation by 2015. Speaking with JIS News, Managing Director of RWSL,...

Lieutenant Commander Paul Wright has been appointed as the country’s Disaster Recovery Co-ordinator. This was disclosed by Minister of State with responsibility for Special Projects and Assignments in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Luther Buchanan on Wednesday, May 29, during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives. “His substantive task is to promote...