KSAMC Assesses Critical Coastal Drains

As part of the preparation for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the City Engineering Department in the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has started its assessment of critical coastal drains.

This will determine the work that needs to be carried out across the Municipality, said Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, during the monthly meeting of the Corporation on Tuesday (June 10) in downtown Kingston.

The KSAMC undertakes critical drain-cleaning activities in all divisions.

The exercise is done in phases, with critical coastal drains given priority throughout the hurricane season.

Meanwhile, Mayor Swaby informed that on May 20, the KSAMC held a state of readiness meeting with critical stakeholders to assess the state of preparedness for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

He further indicated that all agencies reported that they were far advanced in their preparation.

He said the meeting brought together several agencies and departments that shared updates on their plans to help keep residents safe in the event of a tropical storm or hurricane.

The Mayor said reports were received from parish disaster coordinator and the chief engineering officer at the KSAMC, as well as representatives from the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, National Water Commission, Kingston and St. Andrew Public Health, Jamaica Public Service Company, Tourism Product Development Company and the National Solid Waste Management Authority.

“Coming out of the meeting the decision was taken that all subcommittees of the parish disaster committee will now meet every two months, instead of quarterly. They will also undergo training exercises and other capacity-building activities throughout the season,” he said.

The Mayor further encouraged Jamaicans to take the necessary measures to safeguard themselves and family during the Hurricane Season.

“As usual, we are encouraging our residents to do their part by checking their roof, trimming over-hanging trees and gradually stocking up on their emergency supplies. It is also very important that residents know where to find the shelter nearest to them. As always, we thank our shelter managers who continue to work hard to ensure that things are in place in the event of a hurricane or other natural disasters,” he said.

He noted, too, that the second staging of the KSAMC All Hazards Expo and Emergency Cook-Off will take place at St. William Grant Park on June 20.