The Government of Jamaica has activated a $200 million national drain-cleaning programme spanning parishes from eastern Jamaica to St. Elizabeth, as part of its disaster-preparedness response to the potential impact of Tropical Storm Melissa.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and  Infrastructure Development with responsibility for Works, Hon. 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.

“The Prime Minister has directed that critical drains be cleared ahead of the storm’s possible landfall,” Minister Morgan stated. “This is part of our disaster-preparedness template, to ensure that our 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.

Minister 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.

“Our teams are on the ground islandwide. We are working in close partnership with Members of Parliament and contractors, to move quickly before the weather deteriorates,” he added.

The Government continues to urge citizens to take all necessary precautions and to remain alert to official advisories from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).