KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Government of Jamaica has allocated $246 million to support pre-hurricane mitigation works across the island, with a major focus on drain cleaning and related activities ahead of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Of the total allocation, each constituency will receive an average of $2 million to undertake drain cleaning in vulnerable and priority communities. This allocation is consistent with last year’s increased provision to constituencies, which strengthened the capacity of Members of Parliament to support drain cleaning and other local mitigation activities before the hurricane season.

The balance of the allocation will be used by the National Works Agency to carry out special mitigation interventions at the national level, particularly in areas requiring technical support, heavier equipment, or works beyond the scope of constituency-level drain cleaning.

Minister with responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Nesta Morgan, said the allocation reflects the Government’s commitment to early action, practical preparation, and improved resilience.

“We are acting before the storms come. Last year, the Government increased the allocation to constituencies for pre-hurricane mitigation, and this year we have maintained that strengthened level of support. This will allow critical drain cleaning to continue in communities before the peak of the hurricane season,” Minister Morgan said.

The Minister noted that Jamaica has experienced increasingly intense rainfall events, placing greater pressure on drains, gullies, roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure. He said the pre-hurricane mitigation programme is part of a wider resilience effort that includes road repairs, bridge works, gully interventions, and improved coordination among state agencies.

Under the programme, Members of Parliament, in consultation with relevant local authorities and technical teams, will identify priority drains and critical areas requiring urgent cleaning. The works will focus on communities most vulnerable to flooding, blocked drains, and poor stormwater runoff.

“Drain cleaning may not always attract headlines, but it is one of the most important things we can do to reduce flooding, protect property, and limit damage during periods of heavy rainfall. We cannot prevent hurricanes, but we can reduce the damage they cause by preparing properly,” Minister Morgan added.

The Government is urging citizens to support the programme by avoiding the dumping of garbage, bulky waste, construction material, and other debris in drains, gullies, and waterways. Improper disposal remains one of the main contributors to flooding during heavy rainfall events.

The Minister said the Government will continue to work with Members of Parliament, Municipal Corporations, the National Works Agency, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure mitigation works are properly targeted and completed in a timely manner.