KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Government has allocated $22 million per constituency (a total of $1.38 billion) for the annual constituency-based mitigation and clean-up programme.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement Tuesday, during a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives.

He said it would allow the government to respond to the effects of Tropical Storm Rafael which impacted the country on November 5, and the heavy rains in the preceding three weeks, as well as subsequent to the storm which wreaked havoc on the country’s infrastructure.

The prime minister emphasised that although it is being implemented just before the yuletide season, it was not a Christmas work programme. He explained that the resources are allocated on the routine maintenance cycle which follows the rain cycle.

The money is to be spent as follows:

• $10 million for road rehabilitation with flexibility to reallocate up to $5 million from other areas if needed, allowing for a maximum of $15 million for road repairs;
• $6 million is allocated for bushing with a minimum of $3 million to be spent on this activity and a maximum of $9 million;
• $3 million has been allocated for garbage collection to mitigate against any increase in the mosquito population. A minimum of $1 million must be spent on this activity, and
• $3 million is allocated for drain cleaning.

The prime minister said all funds must be spent by February next year. He said the programme includes strict oversight, ensuring funds are utilised efficiently for road clearance, drain cleaning, garbage collection and sanitation.

“It addresses priorities including reopening blocked roads, cleaning drains, road repairs and constructing minor retaining walls and culverts where possible under the programme,” Holness said.