Morgan: NaRRA to spearhead drainage solution for flood-prone Catherine Hall and West Green in St James

Minister with responsibility for Works Robert Morgan says a long-term drainage solution for the flood-prone communities of Catherine Hall and West Green in St James will be implemented under the National Reconstruction Authority (NaRRA), following studies conducted after Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking at the Recover and Rebuild Expo in Montego Bay today, Morgan said the communities were severely affected when floodwaters from the Montego River combined with a storm surge during the hurricane.

"You had flooding from the Montego River coming down into Catherine Hall and West Green, and then you had a storm surge meeting in the middle," Morgan said.

"You had people swimming in 10 feet of water."

He said a flood survey conducted as part of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project revealed weaknesses in the existing drainage system.

"The drains in Catherine Hall and West Green were not built for storms; they were built for rain," Morgan said, explaining that the small underground drains became ineffective after debris blocked the system.

Morgan said the solution requires more than simply increasing drainage capacity, as planners must also consider storm surge and the removal of mud after major flooding events.

"We have completed a drainage study. We are going to implement it under NaRRA to provide a long-term solution to the flooding risk in West Green and Catherine Hall," he said.

- Albert Ferguson

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