Portland drain cleaning work costly

Mayor of Port Antonio, Floyd Patterson, said it would cost the Portland Parish Council approximately $10.5 million to carry out major drain cleaning work in the parish.



He said most of that money would be spent in the Port Antonio area, which is prone to flooding.



The Mayor said sections of Saint Margaret’s Bay, Hope Bay, and the Buff Bay valley, will also receive special attention, as those areas are also prone to flooding and land slippages.



The mayor disclosed that the council has so far spent $4 million to carry out minor drain cleaning in Port Antonio and its environs.



He said preparations for this hurricane season are at an advanced stage.



The Mayor said the emergency teams have been briefed, and all Disaster shelter managers are on high alert to deal with any eventuality.



Mayor Patterson also said more than 70 shelters have been identified and are ready to accommodate residents, who may need to use them in the event of a disaster.