The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) will lead the cleanup of the town of Black River in St Elizabeth, as recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, move into a focused implementation phase.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness made the announcement during a tour of Black River.

He said the objective is to restore safety, public health, and confidence as Black River continues its recovery.

Dr Holness visited independence park, where hurricane debris removed during the emergency response phase has been stored temporarily.

Dr. Holness also underscored that the assignment to the UDC must be carried out efficiently and within mandate.

He emphasized that debris removal is a critical public health matter.

He explained that the UDC-led cleanup in Black River will operate alongside the National Cleanup Programme, with clearly defined boundaries.

He explained that the UDC’s focus will be the town itself, while the national cleanup programme will continue in surrounding communities and other affected areas.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Urban Development Corporation, Norman Brown, says the corporation is prepared to execute the clean-up assignment.

He says the UDC is mobilizing its resources in keeping with the prime minister’s guidance.

Works are expected to begin this week.

And UDC’s General Manager Robert Honeyghan said the cleanup will include sanitation measures to support public health.