The National Works Agency (NWA) has commenced a major river training and protective project in the community of Georgia, St. Thomas. The work which is valued at just under 70 million dollars will result in the realignment of a section of the Negro River, which runs through the community. The river has over the years resulted in the area being marooned after adverse weather conditions such as hurricanes.
Overflows from the Negro River, during the passage of Hurricane Dean in 2007, resulted in damage to the main road from the Morant River Bridge to the community of Trinityville. The main road was severed in two locations where the river cuts across the roadway.
Under the project, which is expected to be completed by March next year, two Bailey Bridges will be launched in these locations. Protective works will also be done to ensure the integrity of the structures and the safety of commuters.
In the meantime, construction work is also underway on two retaining walls along the main road from Old Harbour to Bartons in St. Catherine. A section of the Barton’s main road had been reduced to single lane access following heavy rains last year, which resulted in a breakaway. A retaining wall is now being built in the affected location.
The NWA is also constructing a second retaining wall in the Old Harbour community. Both walls are being built through a contract valued at 17.3 million dollars. The John Crow Gully will also be cleaned as part of the works, which are expected to be completed by next year March.
