Tropical Storm Nicole - Planning Institute of Jamaica

(iii) Floodwater Control Master Plan
Floods are Jamaica’s most frequently occurring hazards. Over the years, damage and losses due to
floods have ran into millions of dollars. These costs of floodings will continue to rise in the
foreseeable future unless far-reaching actions are taken to significantly reduce the impact of floods.
This project aims to develop a flood control master plan using best management practices. The plan
will cover the entire island and will include both structural and non-structural interventions to
reduce/prevent flooding. It will also incorporate the physical, hydrologic and ecological functions
and processes of rivers.
(iv) Mapping of Gullies and Drains in main towns to determine their: condition including levels
of erosion; proximity to housing developments and commercial activities and to provide
information for retrofitting existing drains etc. and reducing flooding.
Watershed Rehabilitation and Livelihood Diversification
Tropical Storms Gustav and Nicole underlined that there is severe degrading in the upper reaches of
the Hope River Watershed and that this has contributed significantly to the level of impact along
and downstream the Hope River. The UNDP Tropical Storm Gustav Early Recovery Report
identified a number of anthropogenic activities that contributed to the level of devastation and
strongly suggested watershed rehabilitation as a means of addressing the problem. The project
components could include:
• Replanting of deforested areas
• Slope stabilization (using vetiver and lemon grass)
• Training in construction techniques and employment in the rehabilitation of civil infrastructure (for
ongoing rehabilitation and as a means of livelihood diversification)
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