Jamaica will need more than $12bn to fix the damage to infrastructure after tropical storm Nicole lashed the nation last month.

The financial requirements include $1.7bn immediate assistance for works on roads that are blocked or have collapsed, and structures that pose a danger.

Minister of Transport and Works has assessed the damage to the island’s road network following the passage of storms and submitted a report to the cabinet for further discussion.

It said several sections of the island’s road network, in various parishes, still remain impassable due to landslides, breakaways, flooding and other damages.

The estimates presented are preliminary and the cost to repair the damage could rise after a detailed assessment.

Initial reports from the National Works Agency (NWA) revealed that more than 70 roads were impassable, 53 of which were critical roads.

The damage to farm roads is estimated at $500m, while the fording at the Dry River bridge in Harbour View was significantly damaged, resulting in loss of connection of the eastern section of the island with the corporate area Kingston.

Many of the roads that need major improvements are included in the Jamaica Infrastructure Development Project, which will now be initiated following the release of funds from the ministry.