FORTIFICATON of the sea wall (revetment) to protect Border — the busy commercial strip between St Elizabeth and Westmoreland — is expected to begin next week, as the Government moves to shield newly rebuilt vendor facilities from rough seas and reduce the impact of future hurricanes.

The update was given in the Senate on Friday by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill, who confirmed that technical clearance has now been granted for the coastal defence project and construction is imminent.

Responding to questions on the timeline for the revetment, Hill said the necessary approvals have already been secured, clearing the way for work to begin.

“I can confirm that the scope for the work was approved by the QS (quantity surveyor) to the Jamaica Business Development Corporation. I’m pretty sure that scope has gone to the contractor, and the work, if it didn’t start today, it will start next week, and we expect that in a short period of time,” Hill told the Senate.

The revetment is intended to protect the area from the effects of rough seas and storm surge — a long-standing concern for vendors operating along the coastline.

Furthermore, Hill said the Government is also taking steps to ensure that the project does not create environmental problems, particularly in relation to wastewater management.

“We don’t do the work unless the scope is approved by the QS, as you know. So the wastewater, we are looking, we are talking with TEF (Tourism Enhancement Fund) because…we don’t want the wastewater to go into the sea. So we’re making sure that we work with TEF to get an arrangement that the water is transported across the street onto the other side of the land to protect the sea coast,” said Hill.

Border suffered extensive damage during October 28, 2025 Hurricane Melissa, which disrupted livelihoods and destroyed sections of the vending complex.

The revetment project forms part of a broader restoration effort of the area, where the Government recently completed a major rehabilitation of the vending facilities destroyed during Melissa.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce officially reopened the Border business area, unveiling 51 rebuilt shops, up from the original 37, along with new infrastructure designed to improve safety, sanitation and resilience.

According to Hill, the work included reinforced roofing with hurricane straps, concrete paving to strengthen the foundation of the shops, the installation of sanitation stations for hand and pot washing, and the construction of a new kitchen facility with 11 stove areas.

He said the restoration was aimed not only at rebuilding structures, but at restoring livelihoods and dignity for families who depend on the Border economy.

“We have done all this work and provision to help about 70 vendors, 26 fishermen, for a total of between 350 and 400 family members in this group of Jamaicans at Border,” he said.

The reopening also drew support from both the public and private sectors. J Wray & Nephew led the rebranding and beautification of the shops, while the TEF provided 55 buckets to assist vendors with food preparation and cleaning

In addition, the Government installed new signage at both ends of the Border corridor to signal the reopening of the commercial strip and renewed economic activity in the area.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill engages vendors during a tour of the Border business kiosks in St Elizabeth, during the development phase of the rebuilding project Photo: JIS

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness (second left) is being served a cup of soup by a vendor during the reopening of the rebuilt shops at Border, St Elizabeth, on January 16. Looking on (from left) are Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green; and Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill. Photo: JIS