WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Political representatives for Westmoreland Western have poured cold water on claims made by the People’s National Party’s Ian Hayles that inadequate drain cleaning has contributed to flooding within the constituency.

Councillor Garfield James (Jamaica Labour Party, Sheffield Division) told Observer Online on Wednesday that Hayles is merely trying to score political points as he is hoping to become Member of Parliament for the constituency.

Meanwhile, the sitting MP and his fellow Labourite Morland Wilson flatly rejected Hayles’ assertions. He said several drains were cleaned over the last three months.

“You would have seen where we have backhoe operating through Lodge Road [and] Station Road. We have been in Retrieve cleaning drains. We have been in sections of Bay Road [and] in Grange Hill. We also have been in sections of Bath House [and] sections of Negril. We have also been in sections of McNeil Land. Not the entire McNeil Land was cleaned, but sections of McNeil Land,” revealed Wilson.

“So, I would want to use this medium to ask these persons making these false accusations to do some research, do some due diligence, and of course to stop making mischief in our public space,” the MP added.

In a press release and video on Wednesday, Hayles noted that heavy rains are expected in the coming days, and he urged the responsible authorities at both the local and central government level to act swiftly to prevent another disaster in areas that were recently flooded.

“Western Westmoreland must be prepared for the rains ahead,” said Hayles. “We’ve seen repeated flooding in areas like McNeil Land, Egypt Gardens, Station Road, Retreat, Parish Well next to the Texaco gas station, Duck Pond in Mount Airy, and along Norman Manley Boulevard — particularly near the Treehouse Hotel. The drains in these areas remain blocked and, if not addressed urgently, we will face significant damage to property, vehicles, and potentially lives.”

In response, Councillor James labelled Hayles as a “failed former member of parliament” desperate for power and presented what, he said, were the facts.

“Extensive inclement weather conditions have been affecting the country for a period of time and this unusual amount of rainfall has led to several challenges right across the country. The Sheffield Division is not immune from that. The Bath House community, which has one major drain running along that corridor, has been cleaned for over three weeks now,” he asserted.

“It is critical that persons know what the facts are. It is critical that these challenges are addressed but it can’t be done all at once,” James added.

In his video, Hayles had also called on Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie to act, commended councillors in Westmoreland Western elected on a PNP ticket for their proactive approach during the recent tropical storm and encouraged citizens to prepare themselves for bad weather ahead.

“I call on the people of Western Westmoreland to get ready for the rains. Do your part to protect your families and property, and I will ensure that our PNP councillors do theirs. Let us prepare the ark of Western Westmoreland together and demand accountability from those responsible for ensuring our safety,” he said.