WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa approaches, the flood-prone parish of Westmoreland is grappling with significant challenges in disaster preparedness. Illegal electrical connections, unauthorized water pipes, and informal settlements are obstructing critical drain-cleaning efforts, exacerbating the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities. Abigail Malcolm, Caretaker of the Cornwall Mountain Division, highlighted the difficulties faced during drain cleaning in the Petersfield Division, where illegal wires and improperly placed structures hindered the work of heavy machinery. In other areas, illegal water pipes and homes built too close to drains have further complicated the process, leaving residents increasingly vulnerable to flood damage. Member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland, Dwayne Vaz, has raised concerns about the parish’s garbage management crisis, noting that garbage trucks assigned to Westmoreland and Hanover were reportedly reassigned to St James. Vaz questioned the prioritization of resources, emphasizing the urgent need for the National Solid Waste Agency to address the backlog and ensure equitable service delivery. The closure of the Frome Sugar Factory has also worsened the situation, as the factory’s annual drain-cleaning practices previously mitigated flooding in Petersfield. With heavy rainfall now causing heightened fears of property damage, local authorities are calling for increased awareness campaigns, enforcement of regulations, and resource allocation to address these long-standing issues and protect the community’s safety and livelihoods.
#EyeOnMelissa: Westmoreland disaster preparation plagued by multiple challenges
