WITH the threat of Tropical Storm Melissa looming, the Government has stepped up emergency works for the Sandy Gully, but minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Robert Morgan admits the current effort is “a temporary measure” until the multi-billion-dollar rehabilitation project is finalised.

The minister, who toured the Spanish Town Bridge section of the Sandy Gully on Wednesday following a special media briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister on preparations for Tropical Storm Melissa, said crews from the National Works Agency (NWA) have been dispatched to clear debris and shore up vulnerable sections.

“The challenge with the Sandy Gully is very peculiar. The Sandy Gully is the main drain of Kingston, and over the years a lot of silt has developed. The prime minister did announce in March during his budget presentation a significant effort to repair and clean the gully to the tune of several billion dollars,” he explained.

He noted that the large-scale rehabilitation is progressing through the Public Investment Management System (PIMS) — the Government’s approval framework for major capital projects — but said the current focus is on immediate safety. “We continue to monitor the Sandy Gully, and several sections along the gully and also its tributaries, to see where the vulnerabilities exist to ensure that in case of an event, we can act quickly or do whatever we can,” he said.

The NWA, he added, has already completed detailed assessments and designs for remedial work.

However, Member of Parliament for St Andrew Western Anthony Hylton, who joined the site visit, said the Government’s focus on only the bridge section overlooks the true extent of the problem. He described more severe damage further upstream that he believes poses a direct danger to residents and infrastructure.

He warned that the eroded areas upstream could have catastrophic consequences if heavy rains persist

The veteran MP expressed frustration that his repeated calls for urgent intervention have gone largely unanswered. “I have wondered — because I’ve done it in Parliament, I’ve sent out press releases — and I wonder where is the media in all of this?” he asked. “What investigative report is being done? The bigger story is up the gully where the wall is torn away, people’s houses are threatened, JPS installations are at risk; and downstream here in Seaview, the people are gone.”

Hylton said he has had to, “bring in an international organisation”, to help remove debris at the mouth of the gully where blockages could worsen flooding in nearby communities.

“This is the work the Government should be doing,” he remarked pointedly.

Stretching roughly eight kilometres from Red Hills through the Corporate Area to the Kingston Harbour, the Sandy Gully has long been identified as one of Jamaica’s most vulnerable drainage systems. Years of neglect, illegal dumping, and encroachment have reduced its capacity to carry storm water safely — a situation now compounded by the threat of Tropical Storm Melissa.

As the storm approaches, both officials agree that protecting lives must come first. But while Morgan insists the Government is acting with urgency to manage immediate risks, Hylton maintains that temporary clean-ups will not prevent future disasters.

“The bridge is part of the story but it’s just a small part of the story. The real danger is up the gully where people’s homes and livelihoods are already hanging in the balance,” Hylton said.

Member of Parliament for St Andrew Western Anthony Hylton (left) speaking with minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with responsibility for works Robert Morgan (centre); and Stephen Shaw, manager of communication and customer services at NWA, as they tour the Sandy Gully on Wednesday. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with responsibility for works Robert Morgan stands on the Spanish Town Road bridge and looks down at the Sandy Gully on Wednesday. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)