J$200 million disbursed for clean-up as Jamaica confirms Zika virus

The Ministry of Transport and Works says it has disbursed some J$200 million to undertake drain cleaning across the country in an effort to battle the Zika virus.

The announcement came just as the country confirmed its first case of the disease in a four-year-old boy in Portmore, St Catherine. The child travelled to Texas, in the United States, where he contracted the virus.

The funds were sourced from the Tourism Enhancement Fund, the Ministry of Finance and Planning and the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing.

The works ministry says J$2 million will be disbursed to constituencies and the remainder used for areas which require specialised equipment. 

Implementation of the project is to be managed by the JEEP Secretariat in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and parish councils.

Members of Parliament are being asked to contact the JEEP Secretariat to identify areas in their constituencies which need urgent attention.