Gov’t Allocates $27.4 Million for Hazard Management in Coastal Areas

The National Hazard Management in Urban Coastal Areas project has received $27.4 million in the 2009/10 Estimates of Expenditure, which is now before the House of Representatives.
The project’s overall goal is to strengthen disaster risk management in towns and cities located in coastal areas in Jamaica.
Specific objectives include producing a comprehensive multi-hazard disaster management plan for towns and cities; strengthening the parish response capacity through comprehensive disaster management training, public education and awareness; and ensuring a high degree of stakeholder ownership through active participation in the process from hazard identification to mitigation plan development.
Anticipated targets for 2009/10 include: producing hazard maps using Geographic Information Systems; developing risk management plans with community participation; developing a telecommunication plan; formulating 10 parish risk management plans and hosting workshops; and procuring information technology equipment, office supplies and consumables.
Physical achievements up to March 2009 include the establishment of a project execution unit and expression of interest was invited for several consultancies.
The project is being implemented by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management and is scheduled to be completed by March 2011. It is being funded by the Government of Jamaica and the Inter American Development Bank.