Multi-stakeholder effort to address infrastructural issues in Portmore community

 

Fears of further rain damage and a collapsing house are to be addressed through a multi-stakeholder effort as residents of Texas Avenue, Portmore, St. Catherine grapple with years of unfavourable infrastructural conditions.

 

The structural integrity and the safety of the homes have for years been compromised by a drainage problem which has caused a buildup of underground water. 

 

Several officials, including representatives from the Portmore City Municipality, have previously visited the area to assess the situation and Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie had committed to addressing the issue in 2022.

 

During a tour on Tuesday, Minister McKenzie said the procurement process through the Ministry of Works has taken some time. But, while expressing concern about the safety of the residents, the Minister said he has requested that the process be fast-tracked.

 

"Because of the procurement process, which I have asked the Ministry to expedite expeditiously, once the procurement exercise has been concluded, then we will be working closely with the National Works Agency, the Municipal Corporation and the Ministry to ensure that the project is done and done properly. One of the things that I have asked the NWA and the Ministry to do is to get the services of a structural engineer to give us a proper assessment as to [whether] any damage has been done to the existing residents," he disclosed. 

 

Mr. McKenzie said the procurement will take roughly four to six weeks. He added that, as Portmore moves towards parish status, the infrastructure and integrity of buildings will be assessed.

 

Meanwhile, resident Sophia Parnell, whose home has reportedly sustained damage from the existing conditions, said she is fearful her house will soon collapse.

 

"The back of the house is now break, split right down. To me, I would say because of the breakage in the culvert that they said is there, I say maybe it's it because the house, it sinks. So I think that water is under there. But when the earthquake the other day, the dining area where it cracked, it opened more," she noted.