UDC to Spearhead Clean-Up of Black River

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) will spearhead the clean-up in Black River, St. Elizabeth, after Hurricane Melissa dumped tons of debris across roadways and in public spaces.

This was stated by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on December 13 when he visited the parish capital, accompanied by several Government officials and agency heads.

He said the challenge is enormous, but he has full faith in the UDC, chaired by Norman Brown with General Manager, Robert Honeyghan, to mobilise, coordinate, and deliver a thorough operation that will clear the way for commerce and community life to resume.

Dr. Holness described the mission as a comprehensive, tightly coordinated effort designed to maximise impact, while staying within a restricted budget.

He emphasised that the UDC’s work will be distinct from the national clean-up campaign, led by Members of Parliament, with clear boundaries to prevent overlap and duplication of effort.

“What we have done is to task the UDC to clean up the town of Black River. That is, to help businesses and residents to remove debris generated from the hurricane and to relocate this mini dump,” the Prime Minister said, citing a temporary location where piles of debris have been lodged.

“So that’s the task. It is a huge task but I know that the UDC has the logistics and management capabilities to do it, and we see that this is important for normalcy to be returned,” he continued.

A central component of the plan involves the management of debris at one of the town’s most popular public spaces, Independence Park.

The Prime Minister said that the intent is to treat the current pile as a temporary dump and relocate it as part of the Black River clean-up.

By transforming the park from a makeshift debris site into usable public space, authorities hope to reduce health risks and pave the way for upcoming community events, including the annual New Year celebrations.

The operation is set to unfold in phases, beginning in Black River’s central business district and then fanning out to surrounding areas, including Independence Park.
Officials hope to initiate work as soon as today (December 15).

Meanwhile, Chairman Brown will oversee overall tasking and coordination, while General Manager Honeyghan will direct on-the-ground execution.

Crews deployed will also focus on extending assistance to nearby public sites –churches, schools, and clinics – within the township, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to community resilience beyond the immediate clean-up.

Dr. Holness said restoring safe passage for vehicles and pedestrians is the top priority, noting that cleared routes are essential not only for commerce, but for daily life in Black River.

He urged residents and business owners to cooperate with clean-up crews and adhere to safety instructions, while promising regular public updates on milestones and timelines.

In addition to clearing streets, crews will sort debris and pursue metal recovery options to maximise resource use, reducing waste and supporting broader sustainability goals.

Sanitation efforts will accompany these steps to mitigate health risks associated with prolonged debris exposure.