MP calls for flood prevention works in Catherine Hall, West Green

Member of Parliament for St. James West Central Marlene Malahoo Forte is calling for urgent action to end persistent flooding in Catherine Hall and West Green, Montego Bay, which has been happening since Hurricane Melissa las year.

Residents in the communities continue to face flooding when it rains, raising concerns about the adequacy of the drainage system. 

Mrs Malahoo-Forte says the problem requires immediate attention, particularly as major infrastructure work continues on the Montego Bay perimeter road.

“ I'm not an engineer, so I have to rely on those who have the expertise,” she said, adding that “you really can't stay in the capital and fully appreciate what is happening in Catherine Hall unless you are there on the ground to see.”

She’s also calling for special consideration for residents, whose homes were flooded and filled with mud during Hurricane Melissa, noting that their losses may be overlooked when attention is focused on houses that were destroyed during that hurricane. 

“It requires special consideration; it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but you have to correct the fault that is happening in the space on the ground.”

Catherine Hall was flooded twice in ten days, on September 20 and September 30, as rainfall again left sections of the community under water.