The Ministry of Public Works has subcontracted multiple drainage maintenance companies to clean drains throughout New Providence with the aim of decreasing flooding and settled water across the island.

With hurricane season underway, Works Minister the Honorable T. Desmond Bannister underscored the importance of this initiative and noted that the contractors will work around the clock to help resolve this matter. Special dispensation has been obtained to have the contractors work during the covid19 lockdown.

“Over time, debris, mineral deposits, and other obstructions can build up along pipe walls, causing reduced water flow into the drains,” Mr. Bannister said. “If left unchecked, these obstructions can intensify into full-blown clogs, resulting in backups, overflows, and even floods.”

Blue Horizon Contractor Deshana Pratt said more than 150 wells were cleaned in the last 48 hours.

She said: “We’ve cleaned all of the wells in the Palmdale area, the wells in Flamingo Gardens and the wells in the areas of Wulff Road and East Street. Today we are working in the Balliou Hill area.”

“The men are cleaning the drains so the water will be able to flow out of the road and into the well. Each drain has a line that is directly connected to the well so we will have to blow out the debris the clear the passage,” Ms. Pratt continued. “When we blow the well, the first set of water that you will be seen will be very black, but as we continue the coloration of the water will change and that is an indicator that the well is being cleaned.”