Kingston, Jamaica: Minister with responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Nesta Morgan, MP, has concluded a strategic working visit to Peru, aimed at examining their internationally recognized reconstruction model and identifying lessons to support Jamaica’s own recovery and long-term infrastructure development. The visit comes at a critical time as Jamaica continues its recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, with a growing focus on strengthening resilience and delivering climate-smart infrastructure.
The visit was facilitated by the UK Government, which played a key role in enabling UK infrastructure expertise to enhance the speed, transparency and effectiveness of major infrastructure projects in Peru.
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.
Minister Morgan said the visit provided valuable insights as Jamaica continues to refine its approach to reconstruction.
“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,” he said.
A Government-to-Government partnership with the United Kingdom has been instrumental in Peru’s success. Through this collaboration, 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:
“I’m delighted that the UK facilitated this visit. The UK’s partnership with Peru demonstrates how high-quality, climate-resilient infrastructure can be delivered efficiently and at scale when supported by strong governance and transparent systems. 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.”
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. 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.
Notably, projects delivered through the UK-supported delivery model were completed significantly faster than comparable projects elsewhere in Peru, while maintaining higher standards. Schools were delivered in an average of 2.5 years compared to five years, while healthcare facilities were completed in 2.9 years compared to 7.3 years.
Minister Morgan emphasized 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.
“This visit was about understanding, from real-world experience, what enables delivery and what creates delays. Jamaica must rebuild in a way that is smarter, stronger, and more resilient. The insights gained through this engagement will play an important role in shaping that path forward,” Minister Morgan said.
This is a joint press release between the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development and the British High Commission.