TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Minister with Responsibility for Works in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, Robert Nesta Morgan, has reassured residents of Trelawny Southern that the National Works Agency (NWA) is working around the clock to restore road access across the constituency following the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Minister Morgan toured several of the hardest-hit communities in the parish on Friday alongside Member of Parliament Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert and representatives from the NWA to assess the extent of the damage first-hand.

“This is the situation we are having right across this belt. There has been significant damage brought by Hurricane Melissa…we have seen houses damaged, road infrastructure damaged and the soil is unstable,” the minister noted during the tour.

He said the NWA has been fully mobilised to reopen key routes and support emergency operations across the constituency.

“The NWA is creating access for emergency services and for persons to start going about their business. Yes, there is no electricity, but persons can still travel. In some areas, we are asking persons to be cautious as the road is now not as safe as it was before the hurricane. A lot of it is single lane and there are breakaways on the road,” he explained.

Morgan emphasised that while access remains limited in some areas, recovery efforts are progressing steadily to ensure that relief supplies can reach affected communities.

“Damage has been extensive,” said Dalrymple-Philibert, noting that while supplies are available, “because of the damage to the roadways, the delivery is hampered”.

“Help is on the way; we just want you to bear with us,” she assured.