Work begins to clear Bog Walk Gorge after Melissa
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Personnel work to clear debris from a roadway in Damhead district, where the Bog Walk Gorge is located, after Hurricane Melissa.
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Fallen trees block a roadway in Damhead district, near the Bog Walk Gorge, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
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A backhoe clears fallen branches and debris along a roadway in Damhead district, near the Bog Walk Gorge, following Hurricane Melissa.
The National Works Agency ( NWA ) has begun clearing operations in the Bog Walk Gorge, St Catherine, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
Crews started work early Wednesday in the Damhead district where the gorge is located, focusing on removing debris and fallen trees along the roadway. The effort aims to restore access for utility companies and eventually reopen the corridor to motorists.
The government issued an all-clear for Jamaica on Wednesday morning following the passage of the record-breaking hurricane.
With the all-clear, utility companies have commenced restoration and recovery operations across the island. Further, crews from the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), National Water Commission (NWC), NWA, telecommunications providers, and other critical service entities have been advised to mobilise immediately to restore power, water, and communication networks.
“The objective is to open an access road that JPS and other utility companies can use to bring normalcy, in addition to having regular access for motorists over time,” said Courtney Mullings, assistant parish manager for the NWA in St Catherine.
The Gleaner observed a backhoe working alongside residents armed with machetes and chainsaws, cutting through fallen trees that blocked entry to the gorge, Bog Walk, Kent Village and surrounding communities.
Although toll roads were ordered opened ahead of Hurricane Melissa, some residents expressed a preference for travelling through the gorge.
“We understand that it is [the Bog Walk Gorge] blocked and even worse nearer to Flat Bridge, but we hope that they clean it quickly. The toll is faster, but here is better for commuters and taxi operators like us,” said Melville Thompson, a taxi operator.
Officials say the clean-up is extensive and will require more time before normal traffic flow can resume.
-Rasbert Turner
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