D-Day Sunday
Mandeville mayor orders demolition of blockage at private property on Ward Avenue believed to be the cause of frequent flooding
MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Mayor of Mandeville Donovan Mitchell says the owner of a property, believed to be the epicentre of drainage issues on Ward Avenue, has been given notice that a blockage obstructing water flow will be demolished this weekend
According to Mitchell, he is “tired” of the flooding issue on Ward Avenue even after an expenditure by the Manchester Municipal Corporation to remedy the problem.
“We spent over $62 million on a drainage programme for Ward Avenue. We have learnt that a section of the drain itself has been blocked by [a resident]. We investigated and have found it to be true. Our lawyers have been contacted,” Mitchell told Thursday’s sitting of the municipal corporation.
Mitchell claimed that the property owner refused to accept a letter regarding the notice for the demolition of the obstruction.
“This interference with the drainage system has resulted in significant disruption in the proper drainage and the management of water flow in the area and poses a threat to public health and safety. In light of this, we reminded you that the action is a blatant breach of the restrictive covenant on the certificate of registered title,” the corporation said in the letter which was read in part by Mitchell at the council meeting.
“We hereby demand that [the] company limited immediately cease and desist from any further obstruction or interference with the drainage system that runs through the subject property and inform that the Manchester Municipal Corporation acting within its right under the restrictive covenant hereby give notice that it will access the property within five days of receipt of this letter to remove the obstruction,” added Mitchell as he read another section of the letter.
The mayor told the meeting that the obstruction is scheduled to be removed on Sunday.
“We have sent off the letter and I have instructed the Roads and Works Department that Sunday morning they are to remove the obstruction,” declared Mitchell.
When the Jamaica Observer visited the property on Thursday, workmen were seen erecting a fence.
