Gov’t targeting hard-hit communities in hurricane debris response, exploring options to manage waste

Expressing concern about the potential health risks posed by debris left in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness says a team has been established to oversee and manage the clean-up efforts, noting that the Government is exploring several strategies to manage the debris.

Additionally, Holness says the Government is to embark on emergency procurement to bring in trucks and other heavy-duty equipment to support debris management.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Holness said the team will be headed by Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr Andrew Wheatley, and Minister with Responsibility for Works, Robert Morgan.

The Prime Minister noted data from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which estimates that over 4.8 million tonnes of rubble — the equivalent of nearly 480,000 truckloads — are littering western Jamaica.

He said the Government is aware of the risk to public health.

“We take note of the report out of the Ministry of Health where we have seen some cases, suspected leptospirosis and other cases of water-borne disease or diseases that are common after such a disaster,” Holness said, while urging Jamaicans to ensure water is treated before use.

Eleven cases of leptospirosis, which is typically transmitted through exposure to urine or bodily fluids from infected animals, have been reported in Jamaica following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Holness indicated that while there will be a general cleaning up, the Government is to give focus to targeted communities that suffered greatly and are at risk.

He pointed to communities such as Westgreen and Catherine Hall in St James, where a deluge of mud, silt and other debris remained after houses were flooded.

The Prime Minister said that about 2,000 truckloads of debris have been removed from the communities.

“Additionally, 200 people were hired, further to the deployment of about 100 Jamaica Service Corps personnel from the Jamaica Defence Force, who have been in the area working with the most vulnerable — elderly, disabled, and other persons who are infirm and are just not able to clean out their own houses,” he said.

This model will be extended to other communities, including Whitehouse and Bluefields in Westmoreland, Black River in St Elizabeth, and others in Trelawny and St Ann.

Holness added that the Urban Development Commission has also been mobilised to help with the clean-up activities.

He stated that the Government has started a process of emergency procurement to bring trucks and heavy-duty equipment into the island.

He said the Government is also looking into the commercial trade locally, as well as engaging regional and international partners on securing equipment to aid in the drive to manage debris.

“I want to give hope to the people of Jamaica that though this figure of almost 500,000 truckloads is daunting, and far greater than we’ve ever faced, the challenge is not just to move the debris, but where do you store it and how do you store it safely.”

Holness said the Government is exploring several strategies to manage hurricane debris.

On the table are recycling, using wood chippers to reduce the wood, and having a structured approach to the recovery of scrap metals.

“Objective number one is to move the debris out of the space where people are living,” said Holness.

- Sashana Small

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