McGregor Gully not prepared for floods

Kaymian Weekley, Gleaner Writer

RATS AND dogs were seen searching through heaps of domestic waste that lines the corridors of McGregor Gully in South East St Andrew on Wednesday.

The gully, that has a history of flooding, damaged several houses in the community last year after heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Nicole lashed the island.

Almenia Pusey was severely affected by the floods, and she is leaving nothing to chance this season.

"I packed up my things and make arrangements to stay with my church sister if there is another flood," said Pusey.

The Gleaner observed diapers, cheese tins, grass, branches from pruned trees, disposable forks, cups, plates and other domestic waste deposited in the water channel.

"We tell dem, all the time, fi nuh throw nuh garbage in a di gully, but dem still a do di same thing," said Gretel Grant.

Our news team enquired if she knew the persons who dispose of their garbage into the gully, and the residents, in a chorus, admitted that they were all guilty.

"All mi throw rubbish in a di gully sometimes cause nuh truck nuh come fi collect it," said Grant.

While Pusey has put plans in place, some residents are yet to follow suit.

"Mi not even did remember say a today di season start, and yuh know say me nuh mek no preparation", said Grant.

Juliet Samuels who lives on the outskirts of the gully, said last year she lost her bathroom in the flood, but she has not made any plans for this year.