WITH THE rainy season here, some residents along the banks of the Outram River in Port Maria, St. Mary, will be looking forward to a drier October than they have experienced in past years.
The new expectations are due to the river training exercise carried out under the Lift Up Jamaica programme.
The project involved the installation of 121.6 metres of gabion baskets. The baskets, made of river stones and mesh, provide a barrier against floodwaters and protects riverbanks from erosion.
Port Maria lies below sea level, and traditionally the sections of the town near to the river have suffered from flooding during heavy rainfall.
Correcting this problem and alleviating the difficulties experienced was high on the town's agenda with the announcement of the Lift Up Jamaica programme in April 1999, and the river training was among the first proposals to be submitted to the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), the agency managing the programme.
Prominent businessman and concerned citizens, Stephen Chung, said flooding used to extend some three-quarter miles into the town, creating havoc for businesses and households alike.
In addition to the protective gabion baskets, the project also saw the reclamation of several metres of riverside lands, restoring yard space to residents.
Mitzie Morris, who has lived in the area for many years, says she is very pleased with the improved living conditions.
To date, Lift Up Jamaica, has undertaken a number of river training projects across the island, including the Hope and Lacey rivers in St. Andrew; Hamwalk, Troja, Glengoffe, Berry Hill and at the Iron Bridge in St. Catherine; Rio Minho river in Clarendon; Montego river in St. James; Bamboo river in St. Thomas; and the Bethesda, White and Little Annotto rivers in Portland.
