ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Mayor of Portmore, Leon Thompson, is reassuring residents that drain cleaning, which started as early as April, is ongoing in the municipality as preparations continue for Tropical Storm Melissa.

“We also have equipment on standby in case of major flooding, so we can quickly remove any blockages if needs be,” Thompson told Observer Online on Tuesday.

The mayor explained that assessments have revealed that illegal constructions on drain reservations and walls are contributing to recurring severe flooding in some communities.

He said the corporation has begun issuing notices to residents in the Edgewater community, particularly along Michelle Crescent, who have extended their properties beyond legal boundaries, encroaching on drainage infrastructure.

“The residents build beyond their boundary and build on the drain reservation and also on the drain wall that was there,” he said. “A lot of those drains have collapsed and blocked the free flow of water, causing flooding within the Edgewater community.”

The mayor noted that the council has been taking corrective measures, including serving enforcement notices and continuing routine drain maintenance.

“We are going through all these communities and serving notices on them,” he said.