KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Government has intensified clean-up operations across several towns devastated by Hurricane Melissa, fast-tracking the removal of rubble and debris to restore access and prevent health risks in affected areas.

Minister with responsibility for works, Robert Morgan said he has instructed the National Works Agency (NWA) to move swiftly with the clean-up, beginning with Black River, St Elizabeth, one of the hardest-hit towns. The operation commenced over the weekend.

“This means removing all debris from the roads so that we can have a clean and secure environment and prevent the infestation of rodents,” he told Observer Online.

“This is the strategy that we are going to employ. As we clear the path into a community, we’re also cleaning the community. We are also going to  increase the quantity of equipment to clean communities significantly and we have engaged many more contractors,” the minister added.

According to Morgan, crews have also begun clearing roads leading to the interior of St Elizabeth and Westmoreland, two parishes that bore the brunt of the hurricane’s impact a week ago.

“What we’re trying to do is create safe passage for heavy-duty equipment, such as tractor-trailers and containers, to access these communities,” he explained. “This will allow the Ministry of Health to deploy mobile hospitals and other essential services.”

The NWA has appointed a senior director to oversee recovery operations in the southwestern parishes and has established offices in western Jamaica to coordinate the ongoing work