KINGSTON, Jamaica— The National Works Agency (NWA) said it is finalising plans to execute critical flood mitigation works in Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth.

In a release on Wednesday, the agency said the works will be implemented as part of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season preparation efforts. However it did not state when the works would commence.

Stephen Shaw, manager, communication and customer services at the NWA said the flood mitigation exercise will cost some $19 million, and will include the cleaning of selected drains and the clearing of verges.

“Drains in Mandeville, including those along Howard Avenue and Paisley Avenue are to be targeted. In Clarendon, among the waterways that the NWA will be targeting are drains in May Pen, Hayes, Pennants and the Bellas Gate area. Drains in Santa Cruz, Luana and Holland Bamboo are among those to be cleaned in the parish of St Elizabeth,” the NWA said.

“The NWA has over the past 10 months executed a number of projects in the southern parishes, through which road and drainage features have been improved. The completion of these works has added resilience to the road network in that region,” Shaw said.

He went on to remind motorists and other road users to exercise caution in the vicinity of the works and to obey posted warning signs and the instructions of flag persons.

He also reminded residents, especially those in low-lying areas, to assist in keeping the waterways free of garbage and debris and to take the necessary safety steps, if flooding is being experienced.