KSAMC moves to tackle flooding with $23M drain and gully clean-up

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has begun a $23-million programme to clear 27 gullies and drains across nine coastal divisions as part of efforts to reduce flooding during the 2026 hurricane season.

The work forms part of phase one of the KSAMC's 2026 Disaster Mitigation Programme, according to Deputy Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Lorraine Dobson.

Speaking at Tuesday's KSAMC meeting in downtown Kingston, Dobson said the project is aimed at improving the municipality's drainage infrastructure and reducing the risk of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

"We have commenced work on the first phase of the 2026 Disaster Mitigation Programme. Under this phase, we will be focusing on critical gullies and drains," she said.

Dobson described the works as essential to protecting lives, safeguarding property and strengthening community resilience throughout the hurricane season.

She also urged residents, contractors and developers to do their part by disposing of waste responsibly and avoiding the storage of construction materials such as sand, marl and gravel along roadsides or near drains.

According to the deputy mayor, those materials are often washed into the drainage network during heavy rain, forcing the KSAMC to spend scarce resources clearing blockages instead of carrying out other infrastructure works.

"I therefore urge every resident to play his or her part in protecting our drainage infrastructure by adopting responsible construction and waste management practices. We can reduce flooding, make more efficient use of public funds and build a cleaner, safer and more resilient Kingston and St Andrew for all," Dobson said.

She added that all KSAMC divisions will benefit from the disaster mitigation programme.

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