PORTLAND, Jamaica – The National Works Agency (NWA) says falling rocks are again posing a challenge to motorists and pedestrians using the road through the Buff Bay Valley in Portland.

Falling rocks have been impacting the corridor in the vicinity of the Plum Valley community for the last two weeks.  

Last week, NWA said it engaged the services of residents in the community to assist in removing the loose stones from the hillsides, however, the problem has again resurfaced.

Stephen Shaw, manager, communication and customer services at the NWA, said that the agency will this weekend be continuing its efforts at mitigating the problem and that motorists should expect delays in using the corridor.

These delays, he said, may last for periods of one hour and are expected to continue until August 31.

There is no alternative route. The NWA is therefore advising motorists and pedestrians who use this roadway to proceed with extreme caution and obey posted warning signs and the instructions of flag persons.

Shaw said the problem being experienced in the Plum Valley area is as a result of bush fires that have left the hillsides close to the road without foliage.

He said a combination of drought and some amount of rainfall has caused the rocks to become loose and a danger to motorists and pedestrians.