Durrant Pate/Contributor

The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) has estimated that its assets in western Jamaica have suffered damage to the tune of $1.33 billion and counting, as a result of Hurricane Melissa, which ravaged the western region of the island on Tuesday, October 28.

The figure could see a marked increase as the cost of the destroyed Falmouth bus loading structures and repairs to a small section of the Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Terminal berth are still being tabulated.

In a 53-page report to the parliamentary committee examining the impact of the Category 5 storm on Jamaica, the Montego Bay Free Zone was cited as the PAJ’s hardest hit facility, which sustained major damage to more than 80% of its buildings. The extent of the damage varies from minor to very severe. The resultant impact of the devastation of the Free Zone has necessitated the relocation of some businesses which have considered leaving the Free Zone. 

As a result, efforts are being made to see how best they can be accommodated in other buildings. The damage to Free Zone is estimated at a little over $1 billion, representing the lion’s share of the hurricane damage cost. Given that the damaged facilities were insured in excess of US$84 million, it is anticipated that, subject to the application of the Average Clause, there will be some recovery from insurance policies.

The Data Entry Building 6 and 7 sustained the most damage, resulting from total roof loss and the major destruction of internal structures as a result of the ingress of water. Damage to a series of buildings with reroofing and internal system required for Building # 6, electrical infrastructure reinstallation & Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) has been estimated at $450 million, while the damage to a series of buildings with reroofing required and internal system for Building #7 and electrical infrastructure reinstallation & HVAC is $480 million. 

Data Entry Buildings 1, 2 and 3, where the roof and internal infrastructure were destroyed, with the replacement for and internal infrastructure has been valued at $35 million. Data Entry Building #5, which was damaged and in need of the HVAC system being replaced at a cost of $70 million.

Minor damage to Kingston assets

The Kingston designated properties sustained no structural damage with minimal water intrusion through windows and the roof of the headquarters building. The noted exceptions are the deterioration of the seawall at the Harbour Department at Myers Wharf, Newport East, Kingston. It is anticipated that given the nature of the repair methodology and previous tenders to repair the facility, the cost of repairs will exceed $50 million. 

As per the damage report submitted by the Harbour Master, the Port Royal Terminal had minor damage to the Terminal Building, as a result of broken windows and minor leaks. Similarly, the Pilotage building, from which Marine Pilots are dispatched, had minor leaks from the roof and windows. The general reports on lighthouse structures are that they are all in fair condition except for the Rose Hall Lighthouse, which was destroyed, the Portland Cottage Lighthouse, which was previously demolished and the Negril Lighthouse sustained no damage but the attendant cottage suffered minor impact.

Damage assessment on Sufferance Wharves 

In a report to the parliamentary committee examining the impact of the Category 5 storm on Jamaica, the PAJ advises that all sufferance wharves except Port Kaiser were assessed as being in operation with no significant damage. The Port Antonio Marina sustained minimal damage with the loss of cedar shingles from a series of roofs at the Errol Flynn Marina. “The overall impact is estimated to be 20% of the roof area and will be reinstated to allow continued operations. The removal of fallen trees and debris is the other area of concern but is being addressed by the internal resources,” the 53-page report declared.

The Port Antonio Boatyard structures also experienced minor leaks, and there was no additional impact to the structures at Titchfield Hill arising from the passage of Hurricane Melissa. The PAJ operates cruise facilities at Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, Port Royal, Falmouth and Montego Bay Piers, with Port Antonio and Port Royal experiencing minimal impact. The operations at Ocho Rios were the least impacted, with the most significant impact in Montego Bay. Clean-up at Falmouth Cruise Ship Terminal is advanced, and operations resumed last month.

Significant damage was sustained to the bus loading structures and small craft jetty, with alternative solutions being considered for the bus loading structures by deploying tents, while the repair to the small craft jetty is not a priority. However, there was minor damage to the Falmouth Terminal Building and Hampden Wharf Artisan Village, with the reinstatement of the security fence and the restoration of power being the main priority for the Falmouth facility.

Montego Bay Cruise and Cargo Terminals 

Fenders to Berths 5 and 6 have been reinstalled, having been displaced during the hurricane. According to the report, “Terminal Building #2 – Berth security impacted due to roof damage and internal infrastructure destroyed. The Jamaica Constable Force and Jamaica Fire Brigade Marine bases were destroyed. On the marine side, a number of buoys shifted and leading lights destroyed. Minor fender damage to Berths 2 and 3. Major fender damage to Berths 4, 5 and 6. Perimeter fence to entrance of Cargo Terminal destroyed. m) Adjoining facility (cement warehouse), which is the subject of a lease, was destroyed.”