KINGSTON, Jamaica — In anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa, the Jamaican government has ramped up efforts to mitigate potential flooding and infrastructure damage. Sandy Gully, a critical drainage channel in Kingston, has been a focal point of these preparations. Teams from the National Works Agency (NWA), alongside the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), have been conducting inspections and initiating cleanup operations in vulnerable areas. Minister Robert Nesta Morgan, responsible for Economic Growth and Job Creation, emphasized the urgency of these measures during a press briefing. He highlighted the accumulation of silt and debris in Sandy Gully, which poses significant risks to nearby infrastructure, including a vital bridge. The government has allocated approximately $4 billion for the rehabilitation of Sandy Gully and other major drainage systems across the Corporate Area and St James. However, immediate remedial actions are being taken to address the most critical threats posed by the approaching storm. Minister Morgan stressed the importance of protecting life and property, particularly in low-lying areas such as Clarendon Southern, St Elizabeth Southern, Manchester Southern, and St Andrew East Rural. The NWA has also partnered with contractors to stockpile materials like river shingle, ensuring swift response to road closures caused by flooding. Major infrastructure projects, including the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) and the SPARK Programme, have enhanced the country’s disaster resilience. Despite these efforts, Minister Morgan acknowledged that flooding is inevitable during heavy rainfall but assured that the government is prepared to provide necessary assistance.
#EyeOnMelissa: Sandy Gully gets last minute clean-up as NWA prepares for heavy rain
