Prime Minister Andrew Holness has indicated that the damage caused by Tropical Storm Zeta is at 2 billion and counting. 

But speaking in parliament yesterday Mr. Holness said the estimate, included in a report presented by the national work agency is preliminary because the agency is still unable to access all communities, which recorded damage.

However, Mr. Holness warns that the estimate could “rise significantly”. 

The preliminary estimate covers road clearance, drain cleaning, access creation and road patching but does not include the cost for permanent repairs or major rehabilitation to roads and bridges.

Yesterday, before going to the Parliament, the Prime Minister told reporters he intends to visit some of the affected communities.

According to the Prime Minister, there has been significant damage to parochial roads with some 60 percent affected.

Mr. Holness had an assurance for the people most affected.

Last Sunday Tropical Storm Zeta dumped inches of rain on Jamaica, Cuba and the Cayman Islands.

There were 2 deaths in St. Andrew as a result of flooding caused by the storm.

The National Works Agency’s Communications Manager, Stephen Shaw said yesterday Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, Clarendon and Manchester were the most affected parishes. 

The government has said it is proposing a program of targeted interventions with the opening of blocked roads being prioritised.

The Prime Minister said yesterday emphasis is also being placed on cleaning critical drains now heavily silted and patching the main thoroughfares.