KINGSTON, Jamaica —  Minister with responsibility for Works, Robert Nesta Morgan, recently concluded a strategic working visit to Peru, aimed at examining their internationally recognised reconstruction model following widespread infrastructure destruction during Hurricane Melissa in 2025.

The visit, facilitated by the United Kingdom government, was aimed at identifying lessons to support Jamaica’s own recovery and long-term infrastructure development.

Peru’s reconstruction programme was initiated in response to the devastating 2017 El Niño Costero disaster, which impacted more than 1.5 million people and caused widespread damage to critical infrastructure.

In the years that followed, Peru established a dedicated reconstruction authority, later transitioning to the National Infrastructure Authority (ANIN), now central to delivering large-scale infrastructure projects across the country.

During the visit, the UK enabled a series of technical briefings, workshops, and site visits for the Jamaican delegation, providing first-hand insight into Peru’s reconstruction journey and its relevance to Jamaica’s context.

“Peru’s experience makes it clear that reconstruction cannot be approached as a series of disconnected projects. It must be treated as a national programme, supported by strong institutions, clear governance, modern procurement systems, and a firm commitment to resilience,” Morgan said.

Highlighting the importance of the Government-to-Government partnership with the United Kingdom as instrumental in Peru’s success, the government noted that UK expertise supported the accelerated delivery of key infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, health centres, flood protection systems, and early warning mechanisms, while also strengthening procurement systems, enhancing transparency, and building long-term institutional capacity.

UK experts worked alongside Peruvian counterparts to deliver complex projects at pace, while maintaining a strong focus on climate resilience, quality standards, and competitive procurement processes.

British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Alicia Herbert, noted

“We are proud of the role the UK has played in Peru’s reconstruction and remain committed to supporting Jamaica as it transitions from recovery to resilient rebuilding following Hurricane Melissa.”

The programme included visits to major infrastructure projects in Lima, including a school development and the Huaycoloro gully works, alongside engagements with technical partners on governance, procurement, project controls, stakeholder engagement, and long-term planning.

Data shared during the visit highlighted the scale and impact of Peru’s reconstruction efforts.

Across the programme, 153 projects have been undertaken, with 84 facilities already completed and in use, and 28 currently underway. These include 71 schools, five healthcare centres, four hospitals, flood protection systems, and early warning infrastructure- benefiting approximately 1.4 million people.

Morgan emphasised that the visit reinforced the importance of building long-term institutional capacity alongside physical infrastructure.

“What stood out is that Peru did not simply rebuild what was lost. It focused on building back better, faster, and in a way that strengthened its institutions. The transition to ANIN as a permanent delivery body is a powerful example of how reconstruction can leave a lasting legacy of improved state capacity,” he said.

He added that key lessons for Jamaica include strengthening programme management, prioritising projects early, integrating climate-resilient design, improving coordination across agencies, engaging communities, and ensuring that operations and maintenance are embedded from the outset.