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BULLETIN # 3
Rebuilding Jamaica
September 21, 2004 - 5:00 p.m.

Government's economic programme not affected

Prime Minister the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson has said that initial assessments indicate that Government's economic programme will not be dramatically affected.

In a statement to Parliament this afternoon the Prime Minister said the Government's target for inflation, the Gross Domestic Product and the fiscal deficit will show variances. He however explained that inflation would be short lived.

The most challenging area he said is the fiscal deficit as preliminary estimates point to the need for significant public expenditure to carry out short term repairs and the reconstruction programme. While these factors will put pressure on the fiscal account, the government is committed to ensuring that medium term fiscal and debt targets are met.

Yallahs Fording update
The National Works Agency has said that work on the Yallahs Fording, the main route to and from St. Thomas, will be completed before the end of this week.

"We are trying to create a temporary fording there to allow for trucks that are taking construction material from St. Thomas to elsewhere to be able to go through…Work is continuing in earnest and we expect that we should be able to get trucks to be able to cross the ford some time on Thursday," assured Communications and Customer Relations Manager, Vando Palmer.

Meanwhile work is continuing on the Sligoville Main Road in St. Catherine. "That road is already closed and the contractors started working there on a major landslip yesterday. He has 4 months in which to complete the job and we will be monitoring it very closely so that it is done to specifications and within the timeframe that has been established," Mr. Palmer explained.

ONR to meet JAS
Representatives of the Office of National Reconstruction will meet with President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) Senator Norman Grant this week to examine the level of damage to the farming community and to identify solutions.

Crucial on the list of topics to be discussed is rural reconstruction. Senator Grant said that the JAS already has a special task force to assist the farmers and notes that the JAS will work closely with the ONR to develop strategies to move the sector forward

NWC restores 200 water supply systems

The National Water Commission has restored over 200 water supply systems producing approximately 80 percent of its normal capacity. These include the NWC's most critical supply units.

The public is reminded that not all areas served by a particular system will receive immediate restoration of water supply. This may be as a result of broken or blocked mains, dislocated pipelines, or lack of power at required relift-pumping stations.

Customers may also receive low water pressure and intermittent supply. The NWC is advising persons to continue to store and conserve water.
Commerce Minister discusses Consumer Protection Act
Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology, Hon. Phillip Paulwell discussed the Consumer Protection Act in Parliament. Today. The new bill is to protect the rights of consumers, which have come in sharp focus in the wake of hurricane Ivan and reports of overcharging and price gouging.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Government Electrical Inspectorate
Members of the public are advised that water or a physical defect in the electrical installation of buildings could result in loss of life and/or property. The Inspectorate notes that hurricane Ivan has damaged many electrical installations and is urging persons to employ the services of a licensed electrician to have installations checked and rectified if necessary. Persons may also apply for a special inspection from the Government Electrical Inspectorate to determine the status of electrical installations.

National Solid Waste Management Authority
The National Solid Waste Management Authority is asking persons with heavy equipment and specialised collection units to contact the agency at 968-8034 or 960-7558. The agency aims to increase its capacity to remove accumulated solid waste from hurricane Ivan. Units required include Front End Loaders, Dump Trucks and Garbage Compactors.

Education Ministry advisory

The Ministry of Education Youth and Culture is advising that the Sydney Pagon Agricultural School, formerly known as ELIM, and the Papine High School will remain closed until further notice. This is as a result of severe damage caused by Hurricane Ivan.

Contact: The Public Relations Department
E-mail: pr@jis.gov.jm
Tel: 929-1919