Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development Hon. Robert Nesta Morgan, visited the Sandy Gully in St. Andrew today  (October 22, 2025), to view the work being done to remove silt and excess debris from the gully ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa.

“There is a lot of debris that is close to the bridge. It is a risk to the bridge and the bridge is a very important national asset. There is a bigger plan to do some work in the Sandy Gully and that plan is going through the PIMS (Public Investment Management System) process which is a major capital project. But we always have to be cognizant of the risk to the gully when there is heavy rains”.

Minister Morgan noted that Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has announced an allocation of approximately J$4 billion to assist in the rehabilitation of the Sandy Gully and other major infrastructure across the Corporate Area, as well as the North and South Gully in St. James.

However, the Minister noted that remedial work would also be undertaken, outside of that capital project,  to look at the most critical areas that are under threat, adding that the National Works Agency has done detailed assessments of the gully, as well as drawings and designs to facilitate the work.

He added that with Tropical Storm Melissa approaching, the Government has an obligation to do all that is necessary, to ensure the protection of life and property.

“What we are doing here is a temporary measure. It will not solve the problem that faces the gully.  Right now our main focus is to be prepared for what could be a very damaging storm and to protect life and property by protecting this bridge, which is spanning the major artery heading into Kingston”, he stated.
Minister Morgan was joined on the tour by Member of Parliament for Western St. Andrew, Anthony Hylton, who highlighted some of the issues with the gully.

In addition to the Sandy Gully, Minister Morgan also toured McGregor Gully, Wickie Wackie and Pondside in St. Andrew.