The Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP), being implemented by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), is playing an integral role in strengthening the country’s disaster management capacity.

The project, which commenced in 2016, is being financed through the World Bank at a cost of US$30 million.

Teachers and students of Grange Hill Primary School in Westmoreland can now enjoy more contact hours following an $111-million expansion.

The project, which was undertaken by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), saw the construction of an eight-classroom block, eight toilets which included two stalls for the physically disabled, a sick bay with bathroom, a guidance counsellor's office, a staff area with bathroom, an office, and a tertiary sewerage system that helps them recycle treated water.

More than 10,000 residents from August Town, St Andrew are set to benefit from improved infrastructure. This was announced at a Project Information Meeting, which involved the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), residents of August Town, members of the security forces, and Member of Parliament for the St Andrew Eastern, Fayval Williams.

Through funding from the second phase of the Government of Jamaica’s Integrated Community Development Project (ICDP-II), approximately 1.0 km of roadway will be rehabilitated and approximately 1.0 km of water distribution main will be installed in the community along July Road and Bedward Cresent. A total J$58.6 million will be expended to undertake these works.

This is the third phase of infrastructure works to give residents access to improved road, water, drainage and sidewalk infrastructure.