MANDEVILLE, Manchester — A planned demolition of a drainage obstruction on a private property, believed to be at the epicentre of drainage issues on Ward Avenue, was halted on Sunday due to a motor car parked over a manhole at the location.

Mayor of Mandeville Donovan Mitchell told the Jamaica Observer on Sunday that the vehicle blocked a work crew from accessing the manhole. Mitchell declined to speak extensively on the matter due to looming legal proceedings. The Observer was told that lawyers representing the Manchester Municipal Corporation would be seeking an injunction today regarding the drainage obstruction.

Last Thursday, Mitchell said he was “tired” of the flooding issue on Ward Avenue, even after an expenditure 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 said at Thursday’s sitting of the Manchester Municipal Corporation.

Mitchell claimed 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.