Close to half a billion dollars will have to be found, to repair damage to road networks done by the heavy rains on the weekend.

Several parishes saw major thoroughfares being significantly damaged as a result of flood waters and land slippage.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie says the initial assessment by the National Works Agency covers 10 parishes with Clarendon being the hardest hit.

The Local Government minister says the rains have exposed the need for a comprehensive review to the drainage infrastructure.

He adds that the ability to absorb weather events without the disruption to life is not where it should be.

Mr. McKenzie says the short to medium term will see changes being carried out.

Meantime, the complete picture of the damage done by the weekend heavy rains is yet to be ascertained.

The heavy rains left some homes almost completely submerged, and roads either blocked or damaged.

Local Government Minister, Desmond McKenzie, told parliament this afternoon (Apl 25), that flooding affected residents of eleven communities in Clarendon, Portland, St. Thomas, St. Mary, St. Elizabeth, St. James, and St. Catherine, with land slippage reported in Clarendon, Portland, St. Thomas and St. Catherine.

Mr. McKenzie says, investigators from various agencies are still compiling their figures.

The Local Government Minister states, that relief materials were supplied to some residents.

He adds, that the health ministry is being engage to guard against any mosquito nuisance, or any water borne disease.