KSAMC steps after blocked drain floods woman's home twice in a week

A concerned woman from Trafalgar Park will receive aid from the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) after her home flooded twice in less than a week as a result of a blocked drain at an adjacent property.

The municipal authority has cited improper engineering practices involving the drain and plans to engage the property owner on the matter.

Nadine Thompson, who resides on Braemar Avenue in the community, was visited yesterday by Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby and other municipal technocrats, who conducted an assessment.

Thompson again pointed to the drain at the adjoining property as the source of her troubles, which she said has left her scared and distressed.

"As we speak, the property owner behind me is casting the gully. He covered it completely, so I am scared -- because if anything blocks the gully now, you can't get in there to clear it," Thompson said on Tuesday.

She said the first flooding caused a perimeter wall to collapse.

"The property owner behind me is focused on covering up the gully right now," Thompson reiterated.

The KSAMC visited the location to conduct an assessment and offer support.

The STAR understands that Julian Robinson, People's National Party Member of Parliament for St Andrew South Eastern, had previously visited the property owner.

"We have persons doing some cleaning right now... We got help after the first flooding. With the second flooding, they're just trying to do what they have to do. I'm just trying to have patience and wait. But in the meantime, I am not comfortable in my house -- it's not properly cleaned, the smell is bad, and all of that. It is very frustrating," Thompson said.

"The people who came here today (yesterday), including the Mayor and people from KSAMC -- I'm happy about that. At least somebody came. People came, and whatever they said is going forward to see what they can do to help. I'm very grateful for that," she added.

KSAMC City Engineer Zavia Chevans said the flooding was caused by a blocked drain that runs through private properties along Braemar Avenue.

"There was a blockage between two properties. We stepped in and removed the blockage so the water could run off freely. After the first flooding on September 19, the investigation was still preliminary. Then we had subsequent rains. So, after the second flooding on September 28, all the debris was removed. The blockage included an old washing machine, a tree trunk, and so forth," Chevans said.

The KSAMC is working to prevent further occurrences.

Chevans added that, based on their research so far, property owners would be responsible for maintaining the drains.

"What we have seen is beyond proper engineering practices. There is no access point in the drain for maintenance purposes. So, if the drain becomes blocked in the future, there's no way to remove that blockage because there's no access point on this particular property on Braemar Avenue. We will be reaching out to the property owner to give them the proper advice," he said.

For her part, Terry Forrester, Parish Disaster Coordinator at KSAMC, said the municipality will work with partner agencies to provide assistance to Thompson and others affected.

"We'll see how best we can provide comfort items and other support to the individuals who have been affected over the period -- bedding, mattresses, and any other items we're able to provide based on the need," Forrester said.

- Andre Williams

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