Byron Buckley, News Editor
Rafi Ahmad (right), head of disaster studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI) and Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee Jr. principal geographic information system consultant at Mona Inforamtix, UWI speak during a disaster management forum at Jamaica House yesterday. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
AS GOVERNMENT moves to tighten and enforce environmental regulations to minimise damage caused by natural disasters, Cabinet will on Monday review a hazard mitigation policy.
The following month the body will review draft legislation aimed at giving the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) the power to order the forced evacuation of endangered communities. The proposed amendment will also formalise the relationship between ODPEM and parish disaster committees, which are based in parish councils.
These disclosures were made yesterday by Donovan Stanbury, permanent secretary in the Land and Environment Ministry, during a disaster risk management forum held at Jamaica House.
NEW DEVELOPMENT ORDERS
He also announced the decision to promulgate new development orders in 11 parishes at a cost of $230 million, commencing with Trelawny and Portland. Other parishes will be addressed over the next two years. Development orders prescribe the type of physical and socio-economic development that are suitable to geographical areas.
"The important thing with these development orders is that we are now going to take on board rigorous risk management hazard considerations and even new environmental concerns, especially on our coastal areas," the permanent secretary explained. "We are going to make sure developments that take place in these parishes will be conducted in such a way as to mitigate these possible hazards."
Some of the hazards to be considered in formulating new development orders include identifying areas prone to flooding, landslides and sea surges. These areas were highlighted in presentations by Rafi Ahmad, head of disaster studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus and Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee Jr, geographic information system (GIS) consultant at UWI.
GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Mr. Ahmad stressed the importance of development approvals factoring in geological conditions, especially with respect to the ability of the soil to absorb water, thus preventing flood and landslides. In this regard Dr. Lyew-Ayee, pointed out that the repeatedly inundated Kennedy Grove housing scheme in Clarendon was situated in a water saturation point. Both scientists underscored the importance of Government agencies to share information to facilitate disaster management.
Mr. Stanbury agreed to a suggestion by Mr. Ahmad for the licensing of entities performing environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies, a requisite for the approval of physical development projects.
Other initiatives announced include the establishment of a squatter management unit and plans to enforce requirement of mine and quarry operators to restore mined-out lands.
