NSWMA Undertakes Coastal Clean-Up of South Gully

Executive Director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Audley Gordon, says targeted debris removal in key waterways is critical to reducing flooding risks in Montego Bay, particularly as the country approaches the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Mr. Gordon was speaking to journalists during the NSWMA’s coastal clean-up activity of the South Gully in Montego Bay, St. James, on Tuesday (March 31), where teams worked to clear debris blocking sections of the waterway and underpass, an area known for frequent flooding.

He noted that the intervention, though not part of the Authority’s core mandate, was necessary to ensure the free flow of water through the gully and mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall.

“We couldn’t be talking debris management and don’t treat with the debris that came down the South Gully and clogged the underpass here… . We want to ensure that as we go into the next hurricane season, that we would have done our part to make sure that there’s free passage under the bridge here,” Mr. Gordon said.

He emphasised that ongoing maintenance of the area will be critical to preventing future blockages and reducing flood risks.

“It is important, though, that this exercise is not a one-off. There must be periodic maintenance of this underpass because once you don’t keep it clear, there will always be problem when you have heavy rains,” he noted.

Mr. Gordon also underscored the need for improved waste disposal practices, noting that indiscriminate dumping continues to contribute to the build-up of debris in gullies and waterways.

“We cannot just dump illicitly in the gullies… we have to containerise our garbage. When we don’t containerise our garbage, all that loose garbage will float in the waterway… and ultimately in the sea,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Executive Director of the NSWMA, Sheenique Johnson, highlighted the importance of maintaining the South Gully, which serves as a major drainage channel for Montego Bay.

Ms. Johnson noted that the clean-up activity is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that stormwater can flow freely out of the city.

“You’d realise the South Gully is one of the major gullies in the Montego Bay area, ensuring that the stormwater comes and exits from the city, and we’re here to ensure that we clean up… to remove the debris and the solid waste that is here,” she explained.

She pointed out that the exercise requires significant resources, including heavy-duty equipment, due to the volume and type of debris accumulated in the gully.

“We have to use the heavy-duty equipment and the tipper trucks to remove the amount of solid waste and debris that is in the gully,” Ms. Johnson said.

She also encouraged citizens to adopt proper waste disposal practices to support flood mitigation efforts.

“We use this moment to really encourage fellow citizens to really containerise and to ensure proper disposal of solid waste,” she added.

For his part, Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Dwight Crawford, welcomed the initiative, noting that it comes at a critical time for residents who remain concerned about flooding.

“North Gully and South Gully are two [well known] areas in Montego Bay because flooding is a concern, especially after Hurricane Melissa… [the clean-up is] timely, because we are now about to enter hurricane season,” Councillor Crawford said.

He noted that the effort is providing reassurance to citizens, particularly those affected by previous flood events.

Councillor Crawford also expressed appreciation to the NSWMA for undertaking the activity.