Development team says Estuary restoration project completion in sight

WESTERN BUREAU:

With restoration work in Phase Two of the Estuary Housing Scheme in St James now at an advanced stage, some residents last Thursday indicated that their fears about being caught in a compromised situation during the next hurricane season have been allayed.

Following Hurricane Melissa last October, floodwaters caused a section of the community to collapse, transforming part of the road into a 60- to 70-foot-deep ditch, leaving sewage and water pipes either busted or protruding.

However, on Thursday, a few smiles had replaced the concerns etched on the faces of residents when they in January invited The Gleaner to witness their plight firsthand and highlighted the dire situation they faced.

“Since The Gleaner highlighted our fears in January, the contractor has sped up the work, and it looks as if the project will be completed before the end of this month,” said a resident who asked to be identified only as Ian. He was one of few members of the community who were present as most had left for work.

“Where the road had caved in, it is not yet back to the original level, [but] all that is needed now is to asphalt it. Most of the pipes are in, so I believe we are about 95 per cent complete,” Ian told The Gleaner when the newspaper visited the community.

His optimism was shared by a representative of the restoration team who was on site.

The National Housing Trust (NHT) developed the project in partnership with construction company West Indies Home Contractors (WIHCON) Ltd and the two entities are collaborating on the restoration work.

The NHT also provided financial support and three months of temporary accommodation to affected homeowners after the hurricane uprooted their lives.

“The work is at a very fluid stage,” said the restoration team member, who asked not to be identified as he had not been authorised to speak on the matter.

“While you are asking about the percentage completed, we are still assessing the situation, so it would be premature to give a definitive number. Given the complexity of the project, it’s not easy to provide a full scope of work or say precisely how much remains.”

His comments came after The Sunday Gleaner reported last week that several homeowners said they continued to face uncertainty as they awaited word on whether they would be allowed to return home.

“We are still conducting due diligence and research to properly assess everything that needs to be done,” he added.

Anger and anxiety

Back in January, residents near the collapsed area, whose homes were precariously perched, expressed anger and anxiety over breached timelines and the slow pace of work. Many feared that the next hurricane season, beginning June 1, would catch them in a highly compromised environment.

Councillor Uvel Graham, who represents Estuary in the St James Municipal Corporation, also voiced concern, prompting dialogue with the contractor.

On Thursday, the restoration team member said there was no cause for fear, emphasising that the project is at a satisfactory stage and poised for completion well before the next hurricane season.

“We are very satisfied with our progress. You can see how far we have come since January,” he said, dismissing claims that the project was stalled. “A lot has been invested to safeguard homes and residents, and we have no intention of letting up.”

Noting that Hurricane Melissa was an unprecedented natural disaster, he expressed confidence that the meticulous engineering work being applied will prevent a similar occurrence in the future.

“I am very confident because we are using top-grade materials, like HDPE storm drain pipes, and all work is guided by scientific engineering calculations and data. It’s not something we are doing haphazardly. Millions have been invested to secure these properties and ensure the safety of residents.”

In a recent interview with The Gleaner, Donovan Evans, NHT’s regional manager in western Jamaica, said that 35 residents were affected by the collapse. The Trust provided funds to help replace lost items and repair damaged homes, and Evans expressed hope that the restoration would be completed in time for residents to return home by mid-March.

adrian.frater@gleanerjm.com