Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, has approved close to $200 m in emergency funding, for repairs to critical infrastructure in six parishes worst affected by rains.

The minister notes that the allocation of $175 m is primarily to facilitate the restoration of access to people within and between the affected communities.

Mr. McKenzie says the rains from the surface trough that came to Jamaica three weeks ago, as well as the trough that is affecting parts of the island now have resulted in flooding and land slippages, thus creating various problems for many citizens.

He says it is with this in mind, that the decision to release the funds to the municipal corporations of the worst affected parishes has been made.

The minister also indicates that all municipal corporations will receive funding for phase 1 of the annual mitigation programme.

Mr. McKenzie underscores that there will be a review of existing structures given the impact of heavy rainfall over the period.

He says this is to take place particularly in town centres and other urbanized areas of the country, to see where drainage capacity can be significantly expanded in the short to medium term.

The minister announced in parliament last month that the ministry will be collaborating with the national works agency to develop an infrastructure programme to address the problem of flooding.