NWA Activates Post-Disaster Restoration Protocol

The National Works Agency (NWA) has advised that its post-disaster restoration process has been activated and that teams are working to ensure safe passage for all Jamaicans on the nation’s roads in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl’s passage.

Communication and Customer Services Manager, Stephen Shaw, told JIS News that the Agency’s restoration protocol incorporates a strategic approach to prioritise access to critical infrastructure and essential services across affected areas.

“We have a process that is engaged whenever we have these types of events. We respond to roads that are leading to the critical installations, such as the airports and the seaports, first. We also respond to areas where hospitals or medical facilities and health centres are located,” he said.

Mr. Shaw further explained that among the Agency’s primary objectives during the disaster recovery period is ensuring access to emergency and crucial services, including utilities.

This, he said, would facilitate the movement of essential personnel and supplies, and ensure that emergency services are readily available to those in need.

“We are also collaborating with the Jamaica Public Service Company and the National Water Commission to ensure that their crews have free access to restore these essential services of electricity and water, respectively”

Mr. Shaw added. Regarding road clearing operations, he pointed out that efforts are focused on clearing major roadways and arterial networks to restore connectivity across the island.

Some of the areas to be prioritised include the main road from Folly to Fair Prospect in Portland and Goshen through Santa Cruz to Black River in St. Elizabeth.

Despite these efforts by the NWA, Mr. Shaw acknowledged that some of the Agency’s operations were being hampered by connectivity issues.

“One of the challenges that we have at this time is that there is a serious communications gap owing to issues that are being experienced by the telecommunications companies, as they rely on the national grid for their services,” he informed

Citizens are encouraged to report emergencies and provide updates by calling: 658-213-5557-60, 876-886-7182, 876-886-7364, 876-968-0621or 876-926-5831.