Gareth Davis, Gleaner WriterPORT ANTONIO, Portland:
MAYOR OF Port Antonio, Alston Hunter, received a heavy duty 'Bob Cat' drain cleaning machine along with Geographic Information System (GIS) equipment from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently.
The Portland Parish Council took possession of the equipment last Thursday in Port Antonio and expected to enhance drain cleaning operations throughout the parish as a result.
The drain cleaning operation also forms part of a broader hurricane recovery programme implemented by the USAID, which has been extended until December 31, 2005.
RAPID RESPONSE PROGRAMME
The USAID commenced a $7.5 million rapid response programme immediately after the passage of Hurricane Ivan last September. This was followed up by an $18 million programme in December 2004, concentrating on business and agriculture recovery, water, sanitation and rural infrastructure, as well as the repair and building of schools and health facilities.
Deputy Mission Director Dr. Kevin A. Rushing of the USAID stated that the drain cleaner and GIS equipment will assist the parish council in identifying flood-prone areas, produce planning maps and implement a maintenance programme for drains and gullies, and also to provide a more effective sanitation system for the greater Port Antonio area.
IMPROVE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
"I am pleased that we are able to provide assistance to the people of Portland," said Dr. Rushing. "In assessments conducted under the Coastal Water Quality Improvement Project it was evident that the Portland Parish Council and local communities needed support to improve solid waste management and the maintenance of drains and gullies."
Mr. Rushing said Port Antonio is the focus of attention for USAID's destination management programme, which is attempting to bring a set of environmental management activities to the entire parish, and to have it certified as an environmen-tally-friendly destination.
