Hardware material shortages expected to ease within weeks after Hurricane Melissa

The Government says shortages affecting hardware supplies are expected to ease within the next few weeks, as demand remains high for materials needed in recovery and rebuilding work following Hurricane Melissa.

State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright gave the update while speaking during a tour in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth. He said the authorities have been tracking supply conditions with major players in cement, steel and other construction inputs, along with businesses across the hardware trade.

Seiveright said the cement situation has already begun to improve, though further stabilisation is expected over the coming weeks. He noted that the pressure on supplies is not unusual after a hurricane, especially with the level of reconstruction now under way.

According to the state minister, the Government has been working closely with distributors and hardware operators, who have indicated that supply conditions should return to a steadier position soon.