Government plans $56m coastal protection project for Palisadoes

The Government plans to undertake a $56-million coastal protection project to strengthen the Palisadoes Peninsula and Port Royal in Kingston against coastal erosion and storm surges, as part of efforts to safeguard the Norman Manley International Airport, the Palisadoes main road and surrounding communities.

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz, speaking at Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, said the project would cover approximately 14.2 kilometres of coastline and include measures to protect critical transportation infrastructure from coastal hazards.

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Vaz said the need for further protection was underscored by Hurricane Melissa, noting that a closer approach to Kingston could have severely compromised access to the airport and Port Royal.