Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

This overgrown gully along Third Avenue, off Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston needs urgent attention as the country continues to be affected by heavy rains. The gully has been in this state before Hurricane Dean which hit the country on August 19. And Marcus Garvey Drive, one of the country's busiest thoroughfares, continues to be flooded whenever there is a heavy downpour. - Norman Grindley /Deputy Chief Photographer

An emergency extensive drain-cleaning exercise was recently carried out on Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston, according to the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation.

Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, Lincoln Evans, acting t own clerk, said that drains along Industrial Terrace were cleared.

"We are currently finished with Marcus Garvey Drive," Mr. Evans said.

However, when The Gleaner toured sections of the roadway on Saturday, which was flooded last week during heavy rains that lashed the island, several sections were still filled with shrubbery.

This could result in further flooding of Marcus Garvey Drive, one of the country's busiest thoroughfares, and one which is usually flooded after a heavy downpour. Last week, many motorists were left stranded in flood waters on the roadway.

More showers tomorrow

And the Meteorological Service has forecast more showers for tomorrow. According to the Met Service, afternoon rains and thunderstorms are likely for central and western parishes.

These conditions, the Met office said, are expected to continue into Friday.

However, Mr. Evans said that it is important that residents correctly dispose of their garbage.

"Fellow Jamaicans must change culture and don't throw garbage in gullies as it can turn around and bite you," he said.

The Town Clerk also noted that an assessment of roadways that requires drain cleaning was conducted.

As of today, drains within other communities such as New Haven, and Seaview Gardens will be cleared, Mr. Evans said.

He also noted that a gully along Gem Road, which experienced massive flooding during last week's rains, would be cleared of debris.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com