JAMAICA: $10 Million to Improve Several Shelters

#Kingston, June 13, 2018 – Jamaica – The Government will be spending $10 million to improve several shelters in communities across the island.

Under the programme, shelters will be retrofitted to increase capacity and create greater comfort for residents who use the facilities during periods of disasters.  The initiative will begin in the parish of Clarendon, specifically in the Portland Cottage, Alley, Race Course, and Scotts Pass areas.

Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, gave details of the project during the launch of the national hurricane preparedness campaign at Jamaica House recently.

“The work will include water-storage facilities and sanitary conveniences. We are also going to make preparations in these shelters for ramps and handrails for the physically challenged who have to go to these facilities,” the Minister said.

The programme will be extended to other communities that have experienced severe damage during rainy periods, such as those in Portland and St. Thomas.  The undertaking forms part of the Government’s disaster resilience efforts.

Release: JIS