Rio Cobre early warning system launched

Residents of communities surrounding the Bog Walk Gorge in St Catherine will benefit from an upgraded Rio Cobre Early Warning System, which will assist in the management of potential water-related disasters.

Grant funding for the upgrade of the system, which was established by the Water Resources Authority (WRA), was provided by the Caribbean Development Bank at a cost of J$34 million or US$256,302.68.

The upgraded system, which is the only one of its kind in the Caribbean, will now feature five stream flow stations, six intensity rain gauges and has technology best suited for Jamaica’s terrain and weather conditions.

 Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr., said the system will give timely and accurate measurements and warnings to reduce the loss of life and damage caused by flooding, which is estimated at approximately $112 billion.

Charles Jr. was speaking at the launch in Bog Walk on Monday. 

During the launch, a total of 15 community members received plaques for their contribution to the early warning system.

The new system, unlike its predecessor, which relied on satellite, will utilise Global System for Mobile communications technology, allowing for real-time data transmission.

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