The government says the road repair bill following Tropical Storm Rafael’s passage could range from half a billion to 1 billion dollars.

Rafael produced heavy rainfall across the island, resulting in landslides and flooding in several parishes.

Speaking during this morning’s Post Cabinet Press briefing, Prime Minister Andrew Holness gave a preliminary estimate of the damage.

He said a better estimate is expected to be known by later today.

The Prime Minister said the national disaster risk financing mechanism may fund the repairs.

Meanwhile, work is underway to re-open roads impacted during Tropical Storm Rafael’s passage, to at least single lane access.

Heavy rainfall associated with the storm resulted in 15 roads being blocked, and 10 flooded.

Two major roads were rendered completely impassable.

Among the affected parishes are St. Ann, St. Mary, St. Catherine, St. Andrew, Clarendon, and Manchester.

Works Minister Robert Morgan says work is underway to clear the affected roads as the government seeks to resume face to face classes, fully.