At least 134 roads blocked following Melissa

There were at least 134 blocked roads across Jamaica early Thursday morning following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday.

Giving an update on efforts to clear the roadways, Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for Works, Robert Morgan, reported that 11 roads have been cleared so far.

He said at least 151 roads across Jamaica have been impacted by the hurricane.

At a Jamaica House press briefing on Thursday, Morgan said 41 roads were partially cleared to allow single-lane traffic, while contractors were working on 82 roads.

Morgan noted that the National Works Agency is working closely with stakeholders such as the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) as it carries out the clearance of blocked roads across the island.

“Across the island, a large percentage of the JPS facilities are lying on the road. The contractors cannot touch those power lines without the JPS saying to us it is safe for us to do so,” he said.

The works minister added that the NWA has engaged contractors from every parish to assist in the clearance of roadways.

He also said China Harbour Engineering is working to help clear roads in St James.

- Edmond Campbell

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