ST JAMES, Jamaica – The National Works Agency (NWA) is far advanced in its efforts to clear several critical drains and roadways in St James, which were adversely affected by the flood rains experienced over the weekend.

Community Relations Officer at the NWA’s Western Region, Janel Ricketts, says that full access has been restored to all roadways in St James and efforts are now being concentrated on the cleaning of critical drains, in particular the North and South gullies in the city of Montego Bay.

According to Ricketts, the latest effort follows an earlier targeted approach towards cleaning the North and South gullies, as well as several other drains across the parish. Ricketts says that this exercise was completed approximately two weeks ago as part of a $10-million Zika virus drain-cleaning effort, which targeted drains and gullies and potential mosquito-breeding sites.

In the meantime, the NWA is also targeting sections of several roadways in Hanover which were affected by land slippages. Among the roadways which will be targeted are sections of the Hopewell, Kingsvale and Cascade roadways.

Additionally efforts will be focused to clear a section of the Riley River, which was impacted by washed down debris.

Mark Cummings