Retention pond being considered to reduce flooding on Marcus Garvey Drive

 

The National Works Agency says the construction of a retention pond near Chesterfield Drive is expected to significantly reduce flooding along Marcus Garvey Drive. 

 

NWA Communication Manager Stephen Shaw says the low-lying geographical location makes it particularly vulnerable during periods of heavy rainfall. 

 

"Marcus Garvey Drive is one of the lowest points in the city. A lot of the stormwater flows coming from all the way from Papine and above, comes right down through Half Way Tree, all the way down to the direction of Marcus Garvey Drive. You will find that... when it gets there, there's the port. The port is a natural block to the stormwater flows. The drains that are under the port, those are pretty much either non-functioning or they are not functioning at their capacity," he noted. 

 

He explained that following a master drainage study, a comprehensive plan has been drafted to address the persistent flooding issue.

 

"What this will do, it will get all the water in one space and then a system that will put in place for it to move out to sea later on. But that is going to be a very, very expensive undertaking. The government has spoken about it, Prime Minister himself has spoken to it. There is a commitment to having it done. It will take some time," he admitted.

 

He was speaking Thursday morning on TVJ's Smile Jamaica.