Minimising flood damage

The Editor, Sir:

It is said Jamaica ranks second, after Japan, with the highest density of road network in the world. During periods of heavy rains, there is always the perennial and predictable flooding in many areas of the island and the destruction of much of our road infrastructure.

This often results in the disruptions to transportation and communication with many persons being marooned or cut off from the rest of society, other major dislocations, destruction of buildings and properties as well as the unfortunate loss of life and livestock. The result is a huge and major drain on our resources, adversely affecting economic growth and development.

Jamaica, being the land of wood and water and with such a high density of road network, should have also been 'the land of bridges, channels, drains, gullies and reservoirs'. This proposition takes on even greater significance when we consider that many of our roadways are really waterways that have been asphalted. As such, most of the damage done to our roads is not from the effects of raindrops, but rather the force from the collection of same and without the proper rechannelling of these water flows into appropriate drainage systems.

Recurring damage

There will always be recurring damage and destruction in the aftermath of prolonged or heavy rains. More emphasis should be placed therefore in the design and construction of our roads, with special attention being paid to the frequency, flow and force of our annual waterfall. With this new approach to road designs and construction and proper drainage systems as well as their timely maintenance (along with the drains and gullies), our high road density could prove to be a major blessing and not a curse.

Tropical storms and hurricanes, in our region, have become more frequent and ferocious and are often accompanied by heavy rains. So, with many of our asphalted roads serving as 'barbecues' (catchment areas) or run-offs for the torrential flows, it is quite clear that these should be channelled into reservoirs and aquifers.

A good example is the flow of water along the Spur Tree main road and from the hills of Manchester into Essex Valley in St Elizabeth, which helps to to fill the aquifers for the wells in Goshen and Pepper, but during periods of heavy rains results in flooding. The construction of a reservoir in Goshen into which this abundant supply of water could be channelled would certainly help to prevent the recurrent flooding in these areas and ensure continuous water supply in the dry seasons for St Elizabeth and Manchester.

These propositions are feasible. There will always be the concern or objection due to lack of funds. However, experience clearly reveals that there are some things which cost us less, much less, at a higher price. These measures can be done and need to be done.

I am, etc.,

DAIVE R FACEY (Dr)

DR.Facey@gmail.com

Nain, St Elizabeth