The Government has activated a $200M national drain-cleaning programme spanning parishes from eastern Jamaica to St. Elizabeth as part of disaster-preparedness response to the potential impact of tropical storm Melissa.

Minister with responsibility for works, Robert Nesta Morgan announced that the initiative forms part of the Government’s pre-impact mitigation strategy to reduce flooding and safeguard lives and property.

The works are being coordinated through the National Works Agency (NWA) and will focus on the cleaning of major and secondary drains, culverts, and gullies in flood-prone communities.

Mr. Morgan said the Prime Minister has directed that critical drains be cleared ahead of the storm’s possible landfall to ensure that infrastructure can withstand the increased rainfall and runoff expected across the island.”

The drain-cleaning activities began earlier this week and will continue across several constituencies in Portland, St. Thomas, St. Mary, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth, where the heaviest rainfall and wind impact are projected.

Mr. Morgan noted that the programme complements broader resilience works being implemented under the SPARK and CAPEX programmes both aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s road and drainage infrastructure.