Kgn mayor calls for more resilient construction standards after Category 5 storm

Declaring that Hurricane Melissa has “exposed the need to strengthen national and municipal resilience”, Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby says a good place to start is updating Jamaica’s Small Building Code to promote more sustainable construction.

Speaking during Tuesday’s council meeting, the mayor noted that the current code allows for structures designed to withstand sustained winds of at least 155 miles per hour (mph). However, Hurricane Melissa, which battered the island on October 28, carried winds of up to 185mph.

“This is a clear signal that we must update and enforce the regulation under the Building Act without delay,” he said.

The Building Act of 2018 provides for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient construction, while the Jamaica Small Building/Residential Code sets minimum standards for one- and two-family dwellings, townhouses, and small general-purpose buildings of up to 300 metres square (3,232 square feet). It encourages reinforced concrete designs capable of withstanding hurricane-force winds and earthquakes measuring up to 6.5 on the Richter Scale.

The powerful Category Five storm unleashed up to 40 inches of rain, causing widespread devastation, particularly across the southwestern parishes.

While expressing empathy for those hardest hit, the mayor noted that Kingston and St Andrew were spared the worst effects.

But he said rural areas, which include the communities of Mavis Bank, Gordon Town, Irish Town, Lawrence Tavern, Stony Hill, Dallas, Red Hill, Kintyre, and Brandon Hill, were affected by landslides, fallen trees, power outages, and roof damage. The communities of St Peter’s and Somerset were also cut off by blocked roads.

Swaby reported that the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) confirmed that approximately 6,160 customers across Kingston and St Andrew remained without power as of Monday, most of them in St Andrew. He said restoration teams are working urgently to reconnect affected areas.

CALLS FOR ASSESSMENT OF FACILITIES

The mayor also called for an assessment of critical city facilities – including municipal buildings, infirmaries, and fire stations – noting that some are located in vulnerable areas and should be relocated to higher, more stable ground.

He further proposed structured emergency drills coordinated among key agencies to test movement of people and traffic in crisis situations.

“Our planners and environmental experts must have a central voice in the rebuilding process, and our local authorities must be properly equipped and empowered to carry out their responsibilities effectively,” he said. “These steps are not optional. They are necessary if we are to protect lives and secure the future of our communities.”

Swaby added that with central government now focused on national relief and recovery, the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation must strengthen its own financial resilience. This includes reviewing rental fees at the Constant Spring Arcade, assessing corporate leasing arrangements, and addressing high operational costs.

sashana.small@gleanerjm.com