KINGSTON, Jamaica — Sandy Gully, which serves as Kingston’s main drainage channel, was one of several locations that received special attention on Wednesday as the National Works Agency (NWA) prepares for the potential impact of the approaching Tropical Storm Melissa.

Speaking during a special press briefing earlier, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Robert Nesta Morgan, shared that teams from the NWA, along with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and other agencies, have been inspecting key locations to identify and address vulnerabilities ahead of the storm.

He noted that cleaning and reinforcement work has already begun in the Sandy Gully system stretching from Manor Park to Seaview Gardens, particularly near Spanish Town Road.

According to the minister, Sandy Gully has accumulated heavy silt deposits over the years, contributing to flooding risks.

“There is a lot of debris that is close to the bridge. It is a risk to the bridge and the bridge is a very important national asset. There is a bigger plan to do some work in the Sandy Gully and that plan is going through the PIMS (Public Investment Management System) process which is a major capital project. But we always have to be cognisant of the risk to the gully when there is heavy rains,” he said.

Morgan noted that Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness, had previously announced an allocation of approximately $4 billion to assist in the rehabilitation of the Sandy Gully and other major infrastructure across the Corporate Area, as well as the North and South Gully in St James.

However, he said remedial work would also be undertaken, outside of that capital project, to look at the most critical areas that are under threat, adding that the National Works Agency has done detailed assessments of the gully, as well as drawings and designs to facilitate the work.

He added that with Tropical Storm Melissa approaching, the Government has an obligation to do all that is necessary, to ensure the protection of life and property.

“What we are doing here is a temporary measure. It will not solve the problem that faces the gully. Right now our main focus is to be prepared for what could be a very damaging storm and to protect life and property by protecting this bridge, which is spanning the major artery heading into Kingston,” he said during a later tour of the Sandy Gully.

He was joined by Member of Parliament for St Andrew Western, Anthony Hylton, who highlighted some of the issues with the gully.

Other priority areas under assessment include the Shoemaker Gully near Gem Road, McGregor Gully, Wickie Wackie and Pondside.

“We visited McGregor Gully…and we are now using sandbags to assist where there may be the chance of flooding,” the minister said.

Morgan also raised concerns about residents living along gully banks, noting that their proximity to drainage systems poses serious risks during heavy rainfall.

“It is something that the Government has been looking at and taking very seriously, as there is not only a risk to property but also to life including to those who may attempt rescues during disasters,” he explained.

He added that several low-lying areas including Clarendon Southern, St Elizabeth Southern, Manchester Southern, and St Andrew East Rural (particularly Wickie Wackie in Harbour View) are also being closely monitored.

The minister further revealed that the NWA has partnered with contractors islandwide to stockpile materials such as river shingle, to ensure rapid response and the reopening of key roadways that may become impassable during the storm.

Highlighting the Government’s readiness, Minister Morgan pointed to major infrastructure projects including the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP), the Montego Bay Perimeter Road, and the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement Road Network (SPARK) Programme, which he says has strengthened the country’s disaster resilience through improved drainage systems.

“The reality is, if rain events occur, there will be flooding,” the minister said. “However, the National Works Agency has a protocol in place to respond, and the Government stands ready to provide assistance wherever necessary.”

(Photo: Llewellyn Wynter)

(Photo: Llewellyn Wynter)

(Photo: Llewellyn Wynter)

(Photo: Llewellyn Wynter)