The Government has provided $868.4 million towards the Jamaica Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project, to enhance the country’s resilience to disasters and climate risk. The money has been provided in the 2023/24 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. For the upcoming fiscal year, the project seeks to commence coastal protection works in Annotto Bay, St. Mary; continue works...

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie (right), on a tour of the Charles Gordon Market in Montego Bay, St. James, on Wednesday, February 15, where a $100-million multiphase renovation project is under way.

Another batch of 50 compactor trucks will be purchased in the 2023/24 fiscal year to improve garbage collection in the island. The Government has allocated $1.8 billion for the acquisition, which represents the second batch of trucks for the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) and should bolster the operations and capabilities of the agency. Details of the project are...

The Government will be procuring an additional 50 garbage compactor trucks, including small units that can traverse narrow community roads. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, made the disclosure while delivering the Throne Speech to open the 2023/24 Parliamentary Year in Gordon House on Tuesday (February 14). Fifty garbage trucks were handed over by Prime Minister, the...

SPM Waste Management Limited is to heighten its garbage disposal public education campaign, as the entity anticipates improvement in solid waste management in 2023. Addressing the monthly meeting of the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation in Black River on February 9, SPM’s Regional Operations Manager, Edward Muir, said it is imperative that Jamaicans develop an attitude towards the proper disposal of...

The Guava Walk Road in the rural community of Somerset, Manchester, has been renamed in honour of Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie. The road, which was repaired at a cost of $5 million some two years ago, is now called the Desmond McKenzie Close. Speaking during a brief unveiling ceremony on Friday (February 10), Councillor...

The Government is moving to streamline responsibility for flood-water control in Jamaica. This disclosure was made by Managing Director, Water Resources Authority (WRA), Peter Clarke, while addressing the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Regional Conference (Regional Association IV) at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on February 7. “As we speak, the Government is proceeding to separate responsibilities under the...