Special Drain Being Constructed in Treasure Beach to Prevent Flooding

A special drain is currently being constructed in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall. The project is being implemented by the National Works Agency (NWA).
Speaking to JIS News during a recent tour of the area, State Minister for Housing, Transport, Water and Works, Richard Azan indicated that the work would be completed soon, as phase two was currently underway.
“We are here to actually hand over the contract for the start of the box culvert system.Our estimate is that in about 90 days, all should be completed,” he said.
Mr. Azan pointed out that the overall cost for the drainage project was approximately $8 million.
“Once we have done the work.the sad situation that has happened because of high levels of rainfall should be a thing of the past,” he said.
The drain being constructed will channel water from two ponds in the area to the sea, as during heavy rainfall the ponds overflow and flood the surrounding areas.
Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, Stephen Shaw, gave additional details of the project.
“So far we have completed over 450 metres of the 500 metres that we had planned to do in respect of the drain from the edge of the pond out to sea. We intend to build two box culverts.everything is in place and we are ready to roll,” he said.
Mr. Shaw pointed out that while this was taking place, work would also be taking place “downstream”.
“We have kept the local community abreast with what we are doing through a local group, so information is out there,” he told JIS News.Mr. Shaw emphasised the NWA’s commitment to the well being of all the residents of the Treasure Beach and Great Bay areas.
“We are confident that this project, once finished, will mitigate the kind of flooding that the persons living here experienced with hurricanes Emily, Wilma and Dennis,” he said.