THE results of the study done by a Cuban firm researching ways to rehabilitate and protect the Palisadoes peninsula in East Kingston should be ready next month, according to the local government minister, Dean Peart.

“The Cubans came and did the studies and are now doing the designs and as soon as they finish the designs they will begin construction,” Peart said. “We are hoping that next month we will be able to look at the designs.”

Minister Peart, speaking at Monday’s opening of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) expert meeting on adaptation for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at the Hilton Hotel in Kingston, said the designs will include jogging trails and outlets for fishing.

“When they come with it (the designs) we will look at it, have a discussion and get some people to look at the designs, modify it (if necessary), until we come up with one that is accepted by the Jamaican people,” said Peart.

He said once the design got approval, the government would seek funding for the project, which is estimated to cost approximately US$400 million.

The Palisadoes strip has been a source of concern as the roadway is sometimes left impassable due to high waves from the sea, especially since Hurricane Ivan in September 2004.

The entire coastal strip from Caribbean Terrace to Port Royal was studied, with particular emphasis on the 1.5 km stretch between the Harbour View roundabout and the Norman Manley International Airport, an area considered to be in immediate danger. Other areas expected to be covered in the research work include the geology of the Palisadoes spit, its measured depth of water, the frequency and impacts of natural hazards over the past 100 years and the environmental impact of the work to be undertaken.

The Palisadoes spit, which stretches 12 kms, was severely damaged during the passage of Hurricane Ivan. Waves that rose up to three metres, destroyed much of the beach rock and swept across the roadway washing away sand dunes and causing serious erosion.