The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC) is intensifying efforts to ensure access to adequate, affordable, and safe housing solutions for all Jamaicans, recognising that housing is a critical pillar of national development.

Speaking on the Ministry’s latest episode of MEGJC 360, Senior Director of the Housing Policy, Research, and Monitoring Branch, Paula Parkes, says the “strategic objective is to develop and refine suitable policy and legislative instruments to achieve Vision 2030’s goal of safe, sanitary, and affordable shelter for all citizens”.

Among the Ministry and its Agencies’ significant achievements is the promulgation of Jamaica’s first National Housing Policy and Implementation Plan, finalised post-independence. This landmark policy addresses critical housing issues such as affordability, emergency housing, and housing finance. It also outlines actionable recommendations to expand access to safe, legal, and affordable housing solutions.

“This policy is a milestone for Jamaica. It provides a roadmap to tackle the various housing challenges faced by different segments of society, ensuring that everyone- from vulnerable populations to middle-income families-has access to shelter”, Ms. Parkes explained.

Ms. Parkes added that the Ministry is also advancing innovative initiatives like the Housing Public-Private Partnership Policy, designed to facilitate partnerships between the government and developers to deliver affordable housing solutions. One notable success is the development of Catherine Estates, which provides Jamaicans with cost-effective housing options while ensuring quality.

In addition to policy advancements, the Housing Policy, Research, and Monitoring Branch conducts socioeconomic surveys in informal and disaster-affected communities. These surveys inform government interventions such as relocation, regularisation, and infrastructure development, directly improving the quality of life of residents.

The Ministry is also strengthening its monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress of housing policies and ensure alignment with the National Development Plan. Legislative advancements, such as the draft bill for Quantity Surveyors, are also being prioritised to promote accountability and professionalism in housing development.

The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC) is ramping up efforts to strengthen water security and sanitation services across Jamaica, recognising water as a cornerstone of economic growth and development.

Speaking on the Ministry’s latest episode of the MEGJC 360, Acting Senior Director of the Water Policy and Monitoring Branch, Talia Gibson, emphasised the critical role of water to national development.

“All the activities that we do are geared towards ensuring water security for the general population as well as the overall country, because we have to look to support  key areas such as agriculture, tourism, infrastructure development, which overall aids in economic growth and development of the country”, she explained.

Key achievements for the Ministry and its Agencies include the National Drought Mitigation Programme, which provides critical water storage solutions such as black tanks and water trucks to communities during periods of drought, or in areas without piped water.  These interventions ensure that vulnerable populations have access to a reliable water supply during challenging times.

“We are committed to making water accessible, even in the most remote areas. Initiatives like this not only support the immediate needs of our citizens but also build resilience in the face of climate change”, she noted.

In terms of policy guidelines and legislative support, Mrs. Gibson stated that the National Water Resources Master Plan is being advanced, outlining comprehensive strategies for the effective management of Jamaica’s water resources.

She added that the Branch will also seek to operationalise a monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress of the National Water Sector Policy and Implementation Plan which will support the water Agencies in achieving the goals of the policy.

“This monitoring and evaluation framework, will allow us to learn from our experiences, adapt where necessary, and adjust priorities to stay aligned with the national development needs and the sustainable development goals applicable to the sector.  We will also look at updating or revising the National Water Sector Policy within the next two to three years, thus ensuring that it remains relevant and effective in addressing the country’s water management challenges”, she stated.

Mrs. Gibson added that through these initiatives, the Government is not only addressing immediate water needs but laying the foundation for long term sustainability while supporting Jamaica’s broader economic and social development goals.

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Four contracts were signed this morning (December 5, 2024) for the much-anticipated Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme.

The contracts which were signed between the Government of Jamaica and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the successful bidder on the project, paves the way for work to commence on the project.

Addressing the signing ceremony at Jamaica House, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, noted that the contracts cover four packages and are valued at over $36.04 billion dollars for the road work, while an additional $2 billion will be spent on pipes and water mains.

“Package 1 – Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Thomas; Package 2 St. Catherine and Clarendon; Package 3 Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland and Hanover; Package 4 St James, Trelawny, St Ann, St. Mary and Portland and that would total approximately J$38 billion with J$36 billion applicable to road infrastructure” the Prime Minister explained.

He added that the project will be divided into two distinct phases with a local component focusing on community roads, and the other component focusing on main roads.

Construction for the project he said, is scheduled to be completed in two years, with an additional year for defects liability, during which the contractor would carry out any repairs due to defects.

The National Works Agency, the Prime Minister explained, will be responsible for the management and implementation of all works with the support of engineers, consultants and other technical professionals who will give sufficient oversight to the work of the contractors.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the SPARK Programme is not a mere routine road maintenance or patching programme.

“The Spark Programme is a capital investment and the difference between regular maintenance and capital investment is that the capital investment creates entirely new value that adds to your GDP.  Patching the roads is a temporary solution for convenience. It is necessary to do it, but it is not a long-term solution to Jamaica’s aged infrastructure. What we really need to do is to make a substantial improvement, creating new value in our road network”, he emphasised.

The signing ceremony also saw the launch of a new website, sparkjamaica.gov.jm, which will provide the public with information about the Programme.

In making the announcement, Minister with responsibility for Works Hon. Robert Morgan, noted that one important aspect of the new website is a document centre.

“It will give the public access to all publicly available documents related to the SPARK Programme.  The contract that we are signing is a public document, so it can go on the website. The roads that will be repaired can go on the website. We will also (eventually) put on the website, all the roads that we have assessed under SPARK, as well as the length of roads in the parishes and several other documents, so that the public will have a very easy access to the information”.

Minister Morgan further noted that the website would also contain the governance framework for the SPARK programme, which was approved by the Cabinet and will govern the execution of works and the accountability of stakeholders under the Programme.

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Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Matthew Samuda, MP on Friday, November 29, engaged in a Signing Ceremony with BREDS Treasure Beach Foundation for the loan of two generators valued at J$24 million to facilities owned by the National Water Commission (NWC) in St. Elizabeth.

A 500 KVA Generator for the Newell facility and a 350 KVA Generator for the Little Park facility were provided through this public/private disaster response collaboration. Approximately 3,000 residents benefit from this partnership in Newell, Beacon, Bluntas, Billy’s Bay, Great Bay, Old Wharf, Calabash Bay, Pedro Beach, Little Park, and Sandy Bank communities.

“I recall the days after Hurricane Beryl when we were trying to coordinate, not just generators, but trucking to critical institutions, hospitals, health centres, homes of the elderly, and not knowing which road was open for trucks to go, and there is nothing more inefficient than trucking of water. It is why I can assure all of you here today, those who have contributed, that the team at the NWC worked around the clock trying to find solutions”, Minister Samuda recalled.

To alleviate some of these issues, Minister Samuda announced that $750 million will be invested to procure generators for some of the critical facilities island-wide next year.

“The Government, next year, will invest some $750 million, as a start, into generators for some of our critical facilities, Island-wide. These facilities are being determined based on two factors, facilities that supply hospitals, and facilities that ensure the NWC earns for the month when there’s a particular issue. This must be based on the number of persons supplied by a particular system and the lines where you have hospitals. It is good that we have started, but it is also good that private sector, NGOs, local and foreign investors, have stepped up to help us to build resilience”, he said.

This partnership was borne from the stewardship of the BREDS Foundation which rallied other donors to assist the communities in St. Elizabeth that were hardest hit by Hurricane Beryl passage in July.

With the damage to JPS systems delaying the restoration of power, the purchase and installation of these generators were crucial in enabling the NWC pumps to resume water distribution for essential activities such as cleaning, bathing, and cooking.

Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth South Western, Hon. Floyd Green, thanked the partners for their timely assistance with providing the generators.

“The fundamental cry that came right after Hurricane Beryl was that we need water…as such, I was very happy that Minister Samuda was leading the response effort with the NWC team to ensure that we had a generator up and running in Luana, which serves our only hospital. So, it was good that the partnership brought not one but two generators because the opportunity that comes in a crisis is not just to build back, but it is really to build back better than before. We are way more resilient now and I want us to congratulate the Ministry and the NWC for making that possible”, MP Green said.

The details of the MoU include:

• Installation of a structure – building or infrastructure over the generators to provide shelter and protection;
• Implementation and adherence to a maintenance schedule for optimum operations and longevity; and
• Installation of a Transfer Switch Mechanism – ideally automatic for initiating back-up after public power supply outages.

Other donors include the Global Empowerment Mission, NCB Foundation, American Friends of Jamaica, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Tourism Enhancement Fund, and MYCO Meditation.

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STATEMENT BY MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO IN THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND JOB CREATION
HON. MATTHEW SAMUDA, MP

November 29, 2024

 

• The Government is committed to the Protection of the Rio Cobre
• The Government has received the resignation of the Board Chairman of NEPA

I am aware of public concerns regarding the National Environment and Planning Agency’s (NEPA) handling of the pollution event involving Trade Winds Citrus Limited and the subsequent withdrawal of the case. We understand valid concerns surrounding the care and protection of the Rio Cobre, which is a unique and invaluable asset.

There have also been valid expressions of concern regarding the inclusion of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) clause in the mediated settlement. I have instructed NEPA to waive its rights under this NDA and NEPA has formally written to effect this waiver. As a result, the mediated agreement, along with the NDA and the chronology of events will be made public on NEPA’s website today, November 29, 2024.

It is important to note that the Government has previously signaled that NDAs should be used only in very limited circumstances. This situation did not warrant such a clause, and the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) has been directed to desist from including NDA clauses in future mediated agreements.

The Government of Jamaica is not satisfied that the issue was handled at the Board leadership level with the required standards of transparency and openness. Consequently, following a conversation this morning, Board Chairman, Mr. Weldon Maddan, offered his resignation. Mr. Maddan’s resignation has been accepted. We thank Mr. Maddan for his service and reaffirm the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the Rio Cobre and all other critical natural resources.

Regarding the pollution incident in December 2023, I have been advised by NEPA that:

1. The incident involved an oil spill on the grounds of Trade Winds Citrus Limited. While the spill was largely contained to Trade Winds property, some seepage occurred into the Rio Cobre. However, the extent of the seepage was not significant enough to cause a fish kill or require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
2. According to the National Fisheries Authority, a fish kill is defined as “large-scale mortality events of fish that occur due to various factors, such as wastewater pollution, hypoxic conditions, nutrient enrichment, and the introduction of pathogens, whether in area of or per cent of the population”; this did not occur.
3. In light of the foregoing, a determination was made by NEPA that there was no basis for compensation or extensive consultation with stakeholders. It is also worth noting that Trade Winds Citrus Limited assumed full responsibility for the cleanup and restoration efforts, which were conducted under the guidance of NEPA, the Water Resources Authority, the National Fisheries Authority, and Petrojam. The costs of these efforts greatly exceeded the fines stipulated under the Wildlife Protection Act, which amounts to a maximum of $100,000 for breaches.
4. The matter went to mediation on October 2, 2024, and the resulting agreement was approved by the NEPA Board on November 26. Considering the limited material impact of the incident and the comprehensive cleanup undertaken, the NRCA determined that withdrawing the case was justified.

I wish to assure all Jamaicans that the Government remains resolute in its commitment to protecting the Rio Cobre and all our natural resources. We will continue to strengthen regulations, enhance enforcement, and ensure transparency in our actions, as we work toward a sustainable and resilient environmental future.

The 2022 fish kill at the Rio Cobre highlighted the need for decisive action and greater accountability in safeguarding this vital natural resource.

In response to the 2022 incident, the Government pursued the matter to the full extent of the law and exercised its authority to draw down on the performance bond of $117 million, as appropriate. This demonstrates our commitment to addressing breaches and enforcing environmental laws.

To address these concerns, the Government has already begun collaborating with manufacturers, the mining sector, and the National Water Commission to achieve the ambitious goal of eliminating all effluent discharge into the Rio Cobre. Additionally, we are in the final stages of amending the NRCA and Wildlife Protection Acts to significantly increase fines for environmental breaches, strengthening our enforcement capacity.

It’s to be recalled that the Prime Minister has already directed NEPA to work with all stakeholders to develop the plans and engineering solutions to end all trade effluent discharge in the Rio Cobre.

The Prime Minister has also directed the establishment of a River Control Authority to enhance the governance and protection of our rivers.
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Jamaica has taken a monumental leap in geospatial innovation with the establishment of the National Geospatial Repository, a first of its kind centralised database, that consolidates 95% of the country’s spatial information.

This initiative, spearheaded by the National Spatial Data Management Branch (NSDMB) of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), is set to revolutionise data-driven decision-making for national development and disaster preparedness.

“This repository is a game-changer for Jamaica,” stated Alicia Edwards, Principal Director of the NSDMB. “It consolidates decades of geospatial data from various entities, enabling us to deliver smarter solutions for critical sectors like infrastructure, health and environmental sustainability.  By ensuring access to reliable and actionable data, we’re transforming how Jamaica plans for the future.”

The National Geospatial Repository is already being utilised for significant national projects. From optimising water distribution in underserved areas to designing climate-resilient roads, the Repository ensures resources are deployed more effectively and equitably.

Ms. Edwards also emphasised the Repository’s potential for disaster response, citing its critical role in enabling the National Emergency Response GIS (NERGIS) Team during crises such as Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic. “When emergencies strike, having accurate and centralised data can mean the difference between a rapid, effective response and costly delays,” she added.

The launch of this Repository is part of the NSDMB’s broader mission to integrate geospatial technology into every corner of Jamaican life.

The Branch is also laying the groundwork for next-generation solutions by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its geospatial strategies, with plans to enhance agriculture, urban planning, and climate resilience.
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Jamaica’s infrastructure advancements are fueling economic growth and improving lives, with transformative road and port developments contributing to 7.6% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022.

According to Kady Ann Rowe-Smith, Director of the Works Policy Monitoring Branch of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, the programme of work on the country’s roads, bridges, and ports, has significantly improved the infrastructure landscape and increased employment in the construction and tourism sectors.

“For example, in 2022, the construction sector accounted for the employment of approximately 141,000 persons across the island in various areas, in housing development, road expansion and rehabilitation, in port development, and in the construction of hotels and commercial spaces” she stated.

Mrs. Rowe-Smith cited a number of notable projects that have increased economic connectivity and enhanced the transportation of goods and services across the country.  They include the major upgrading of urban corridors such as Marcus Garvey Drive and Hagley Park Road, as well as the completion of sections of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP).

“Under the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project, the east-west leg of Highway 2000 was expanded from May Pen in Clarendon to Williamsfield in Manchester, and that component was completed in September of last year.  The road section from Harbour View in St. Andrew to Yallahs in St. Thomas, was completed in February of this year and the project is ongoing.  We are still doing rehabilitation works on 15 corridors, which are expected to be completed by the end of this financial year”, she added.

In terms of tourism, Mrs. Rowe-Smith, noted that Jamaica is now cemented as a global leader in cruise travel, thanks to cutting-edge port developments.

“The completion of port development projects by the PAJ (Port Authority of Jamaica), such as the Montego Bay Cruise Ship Terminal, the Port Royal Cruise Ship Terminal, and Hampden Wharf, has significantly increased cruise passenger arrivals to the island and has importantly, positioned Jamaica as a leading cruise destination in the world”.

Looking ahead, Mrs. Rowe-Smith said efforts are underway to revise the National Construction Policy and develop a Public Right-of-Way Access Management Policy, laying the foundation for continued growth and resilience in the construction sector.

The Works Infrastructure Policy and Monitoring Branch facilitates the development, implementation and the monitoring of policies, programs, projects, and legislation, including those of the Ministry’s portfolio agencies, the National Works Agency (NWA), the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC), the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) and the Professional Engineers Registration Board, (PERB).

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Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness says a preliminary assessment of the damage to the roads following the passage of Tropical Storm Raphael could be between $500 million and $1 billion.

“We are not yet in a position to give definitive figures as to the damage assessment and what it will cost. Our figures are preliminary, but we expect them to be in the wide region of between half a billion to a billion dollars”.

The Prime Minister was addressing the Post Cabinet Press Briefing held yesterday (Wednesday, November 6, 2024) at Jamaica House.

Prime Minister Holness noted that Jamaica has a multi-layered disaster risk response mechanism, which has placed the country in a position to fund the repairs.

“We have made budgetary allocations to create buffers, which we have put into a contingency fund. That fund is approximately $5 billion, and we use that to respond to disasters as they occur, so, it is likely that we will be able to fund the damage from this most recent unexpected shock from what we have budgeted”, he noted.

The briefing was also addressed by Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for Works, Hon Robert Morgan, who noted that there was significant flooding in several parts of the island.

They include St. Ann, along the White River corridor; Broadgate, Toms River and Junction in St Mary and St. Andrew which he noted experienced considerable challenges.

“We had Mt. Airy, Golden Spring, Chesterfield Drive (which) also had some serious challenges including Stony Hill (and) Nolan Hill. We also had issues in St. Andrew

where the Troja Fording saw some significant inundation, as well as Worthy Park, St Johns, and Bartons in Old Harbour. Big Pond also saw significant flooding where persons were not able to exit the community”, he explained.

The Minister added that there were also issues in Ewarton, and the Bog Walk Gorge, which floods when there are significant rain events, Spanish Town and Sligoville, as well as sections of St. Thomas.

He further noted that 15 roads were totally blocked; 10 were flooded; 2 roads experienced minor road damage and 7 had only single-lane access. Two roads, he added, were totally impassable.

Minister Morgan said the National Works Agency’s (NWA) first objective is to create access when roads are blocked which would give residents and emergency services access to the communities and facilitate the re-opening of schools. The second phase he said, would be the total clearing of roads that have been blocked by landslides.

He noted that the NWA is currently in the field assessing the damage.

 

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Under the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP), more than 300 house owners will move from poverty to prosperity thanks to the strategic intervention by the Prime Minister, Most Hon. Andrew Holness.

“We have over 300 houses that are in varying stages of either completion or construction. So, this is a very successful programme, and because it is targeted, you can see the results. Today is the visualisation, and the actualisation of moving someone from poverty to prosperity”, Prime Minister Holness said.

He engaged in handover ceremonies of five units under the NSHP in Giblatore, Dignum, St. Catherine; New Road, Dressikie, St. Mary; Bonnett District, Benbow, St. Catherine; Berry Hill District, Riversdale, St. Catherine; and Stanberry Grove, Sligoville, St. Catherine yesterday.

“The only reason we are able to do this programme and deliver the 256 units under this programme is that we have been able to make a budgetary allocation. That budgetary allocation comes from taxpayers’ resources, but we can make that budgetary allocation from taxpayers’ resources because the economy has been growing consistently”, he continued.

The Prime Minister said while he understands that many citizens are frustrated by the lengthy process of receiving their share of “prosperity”, the government must adhere to the process while being transparent.

“There are many persons who are looking for their prosperity and get frustrated because they’re not seeing their way through, and it is taking too long. I would say to those persons, keep the faith. The government is working assiduously by putting the programmes in place, but we must comply with the rules and regulations. And we have developed, I think, significant competencies in being able to fulfill the compliance and the regulation requirements”, Prime Minister Holness said.

On the other hand, he said that the Government is “building the actual houses much faster” and that it is the technical process that takes more time.

“We’re building houses now in four or five weeks. But the longer part of the actual project is from the identification of the beneficiary, the verification of the beneficiary, the social surveys, securing the land, the engineering surveys, and then going to procurement, and all of those sometimes can take a year to 18 months, even two years. So, we ask persons who have been approved and who are still waiting to keep their faith, to be patient. The houses will be delivered”, the Prime Minister ended.

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