Kingston, Jamaica, 19 June 2026
Community roads left badly broken by Hurricane Melissa are set for repair under a new $350 million Priority Parochial Road Programme, alongside a separate $70 million drive to clear drains as part of preparations for this hurricane season.
Local Government and Community Development Minister Desmond McKenzie announced both measures in the House of Representatives on 3 June, during his presentation in the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate.
Roads to schools and hospitals first
The road programme will focus on seriously damaged routes that link communities and give access to essential services such as hospitals and schools. Mr McKenzie explained that the money is on top of the monthly allocation municipal corporations already receive, and will go towards patching and maintenance islandwide.
$300,000 per division for drains
Under the drain-cleaning plan, the $70 million will flow to municipal corporations, working out at $300,000 for each division. This comes in addition to the drain-cleaning funds provided for May and June through the Parochial Revenue Fund.
The minister also pointed to Operation CALM, launched by the National Solid Waste Management Authority in Rocky Point, Clarendon, on 2 June. It targets 94 communities that traditionally flood, with four aims: clearing bulky waste, advising residents on their responsibilities, leveraging local community leaders and maintaining a presence through the season. Its next phase is to move into Clarendon, Kingston, St Andrew, St James and St Elizabeth.
Water trucks for drought-hit parishes
With drought conditions already being felt, Mr McKenzie said $65 million will help St Elizabeth, Manchester and Portland buy three new water trucks. He added that a wider water programme involving his ministry and the Ministry of Water is to be announced shortly.
What it means for residents
For households on damaged parochial roads, the programme offers the prospect of safer access to schools, clinics and work. Residents in flood-prone areas can help by keeping bulky waste out of gullies and drains, and by reporting blocked drains to their councillor or municipal corporation. Homeowners in low-lying districts may also want to check their own drainage and property insurance before the busiest weeks of the season arrive.
Follow Jamaica Homes on Youtube @jamaicahomes and Instagram @jamaica_homes and on Facebook @jamaicahomesnews Send us a message or email us at onlinefeedback@jamaica-homes.com or editor@jamaica-homes.com
Visit our YouTube Community ↗