KSAMC targets cleanup as country inches into hurricane season
Published:Wednesday | June 11, 2025 | 12:12 AMCorey Robinson/Senior Staff Reporter
Abandoned and deteriorating motor vehicles, large pile-ups of garbage at premises near two public schools, and a series of planning meetings to buttress the capital city against the 2025 hurricane season were among the top priorities of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) last month, according to Mayor Andrew Swaby.
At the same time, the KSAMC began assessing drains to ensure they are fully operational before the hurricane season, which typically brings flooding to parts of the municipality. The corporation also removed approximately 125 abandoned or disabled vehicles from roadways across all political divisions.
“We are all aware of the hazards caused by having these derelict motor vehicles in these spaces, and the benefits of having them removed,” said Swaby.
He highlighted another major concern: a large pile-up of garbage near Tarrant Primary and High Schools. The situation – exacerbated by overgrown bushes and illegal dumping on private property – posed a serious health risk, potentially attracting rodents and creating a breeding ground for disease.
MEETINGS WITH STAKEHOLDERS
Swaby said that his offices have commenced meetings regarding hurricane preparedness, and these involved several stakeholders, including representatives from the Jamaica Public Service Company, the National Water Commission, and the National Solid Waste Management Authority, among others. All reported that they were ready for the hurricane season, he said.
“Coming out of the meeting, the decision was taken that all subcommittees of the Parish Disaster Committees will now meet every two months instead of quarterly. They will also undergo training exercises and other capacity-building activities throughout the season,” he continued, lauding members of the Bull Bay community in St Andrew, who participated in a recent water-rescue operation hosted by the Jamaica Fire Brigade.
He warned citizens of the municipality that they, too, should take necessary precautions for their own safety, including battening down their roofs, cutting trees and overgrown vegetation, as well as stocking up on storm supplies.
The mayor invited the public to take part in the second annual All Hazards Expo at St William Grant Park in downtown Kingston on June 20.
“As part of our hurricane preparation, the city engineers have begun their assessment of critical coastal drains, which will determine the work that needs to be carried out,” he said, adding approximately 3,000 square metres of roadway have been approved for repairs under the Divisional Allocation Fund, at a cost of $20.1 million.
They include Park Lane, off Whitehall Avenue; Plantation Avenue in Olympic Gardens; Three Oaks Road; and the Chinese Cemetery Road in the Whitfield division. Sidewalk works were also approved at a cost of $11.3 million, he said.
However, the KSAMC will retender three projects from the previous meeting – two received no bids, and one was altered by the local councillor after submission.