Trelawny Residents Welcome Completion of Hector’s River Project

Residents of Riverside district, in Troy, Trelawny, are now breathing collective sighs of relief consequent on the completion of reinforcement and protective works along a section of the Hector’s River, which runs through the community.

The work, implemented by the National Works Agency (NWA) at a cost of $13.8 million, became necessary after residents, some with properties adjacent to the river, raised concerns about damage and losses they sustained, resulting from erosion caused by rising water levels in the river, particularly during heavy rainfall.

The project, which commenced in late 2013 and was completed in January, entailed extensive reinforcement works along 50 metres of the river’s banks. This included installation of gabion basket structures,

One resident who is says she is extremely pleased with the project’s outcome, is Constance Miller, whose house was among those positioned closest to the river’s edge.

“I have been having problems with this river for many years, and from 2000 I have been requesting help from the Ministry. I have suffered many losses of cattle, goats, chickens, and agricultural crops. Now that this project has materialized, I am feeling a hundred per cent better.  I have cried many nights and whenever I am at work and see the rains set, I tremble in fear and ask God what next,” she told told JIS News.

In this regard, she commends State Minister for Transport, Works and Housing, Hon. Richard Azan, and the NWA for the “excellent job of fixing the river banks.”

“I just want to thank Minister Azan, (NWA Communications and Customer Services Manager)  Mr. Stephen Shaw and his team from the National Works Agency, the Member of Parliament (for South Trelawny), Mrs. (Marissa) Dalrymple-Phillibert, and all the workers who have put in their efforts to make this project come off the ground successfully. Thanks very much and God bless you all!” Mrs. Miller said.

Mr. Azan, who visited the project area last week, also expressed satisfaction with the work undertaken.

“We have been able to complete the project and, in the process,… protect the residence of Mrs. Miller and her family (and others) who live in close proximity to the Hector’s River. I am happy that this project has been completed satisfactorily and I think that Mrs. Miller (and others are) feeling much better today,” he told JIS News.