The potential of bio - enginnering in slope stabilization : A case study from Jamaica

ABSTRACT

Landslides are verry common on Jamaican roads, and the consequences of these slides are costly. We have corried out a rapid assessment of landslides hazard alone the Guinea Corn to Corner Shop Road, via Johns Hall in Central jamaican identify road sections where bio-engineering may be used for the effective road maintenance. This road is subject to recurrent landslide activity and flooding following every significant rainfall event in the Mahoe River watershed. The existing vegetation types along the road have been described in term of their fuction in arresting slope movements and the protective cover they offer against infiltration. In areas where vegetation cover is inadequate or instability observed, recommendations are made as to vegetation types and techniques which may be implemented for slope stabilization. Many of the initiatives currently practiced by local population alrealy make a positive contribution to road-side stabilization. This research programme has been initiated in jamaica jointly by Natural Resoreces Institute (UK) and Departments og Geography and Geology, and Life Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona. (AU)