The Ministry of Public Works has intensified efforts to bolster drainage and irrigation systems across Region Six, awarding 78 small contracts valued at over $150 million. These projects aim to address internal drainage issues in key areas such as Corriverton, Rose Hall, and New Amsterdam, significantly reducing the risk of flooding at the household level.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, highlighted that the contract values vary depending on the scope of work required for each area. To ensure smooth project implementation, each contractor has already received 50 percent of their total contract sum as a mobilization advance. He also revealed that additional contracts will be awarded in the coming weeks, with ongoing assessments identifying further areas in need of intervention.
Minister Edghill reiterated the importance of timely and high-quality work, urging contractors to complete all projects by the end of the year while adhering strictly to specifications. He underscored the unique nature of these works, noting that they focus on cleaning smaller internal drains that cannot be accessed by large machinery.
“These are not the main drains that the NDIA would dig with machines; these are the internal drains. These are the small drains where an excavator bucket can’t fit. We have to use buckets and spades, going under bridges to remove debris so water can flow freely and prevent flooding at the household level. Additionally, we must ensure proper drainage for the roads themselves,” Minister Edghill explained.
He cautioned contractors against improper disposal of debris, stressing that it should be removed directly from the drains and transported to designated dumpsites or landfill areas. “What we’ve seen in the past is residents cleaning the drains in front of them but placing the debris on the parapet. This creates a new problem, as the material eventually washes back into the drains, raising the parapet higher than the road and obstructing proper drainage.”
The projects will be closely monitored by ministry engineers and clerks of works to ensure they meet the required standards, guaranteeing effective execution and accountability.
