KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Works Agency (NWA) says it is now conducting a drain cleaning exercise at several locations in the Corporate Area.

The NWA in a news release Wednesday said the project, which commenced last Saturday, seeks to mitigate flooding in the selected areas, as well as to reduce the risk of mosquito breeding.

The NWA said under this special project, the Havana drain and Craig Town main drain, both in Jones Town, the Holborn Road drain, Margette Villa road drains and the Keesing Avenue / Strafford Avenue drains will be cleaned.

The project, which is being funded by the Road Maintenance Fund at a cost of $7.8 million, is expected to be completed in two weeks the NWA said.

In addition, Manager of Communication and Customer Services Stephen Shaw said that the targeted drains are critical ones that were heavily silted or blocked by branches, leaves or other waste.

He said this was a hazard to property and public health, especially in light of the risk of vector borne diseases.  He further stated that this effort is a part of a wider thrust to improve the drainage infrastructure across the island.

Shaw said a further $23 million is being spent on other drains across the Kingston Metropolitan Region.