St Thomas Eastern MP calls for NWA to address ‘ongoing flooding’ in Port Morant

St Thomas Eastern MP calls for NWA to address ‘ongoing flooding’ in Port Morant

ST THOMAS, Jamaica— Member of Parliament (MP) for St Thomas Eastern Rosemarie Shaw is accusing Communications Manager at the National Works Agency (NWA) Stephen Shaw of attempting to reduce the ongoing flooding in Port Morant to a matter of rainfall.

The MP in a statement on Thursday, raised concerns that recent infrastructure works in the parish have worsened flooding conditions rather than improved them.

“Flooding in Port Morant is not new. It is a known, recurring issue. The failure to fix it is what is unacceptable.

This is not a matter of awareness; it is a failure of action. For years, residents have endured repeated flooding. Yet, instead of clear solutions, the public continues to receive explanations tied to weather patterns.

Blaming rainfall does not address the real issue. It highlights a system that has become reactive instead of proactive. As a communications representative, Mr Shaw’s role is to inform.

However, communication cannot replace responsibility,” Shaw said.

The member of parliament said homes are repeatedly being flooded, businesses are losing income and roads are unsafe and, at times, impassable.

“There are also serious concerns that recent infrastructure works have worsened flooding conditions rather than improved them. These concerns must be urgently reviewed,” Shaw said.

Shaw called for the NWA to deliver a clear, time-bound action plan, a transparent review of existing and recent works and a permanent drainage solution for Port Morant and surrounding communities.

“This is not simply a weather issue. It is a matter of accountability. The people of Port Morant are not asking for updates. They are asking one question: Why hasn’t this been fixed? Until that question is answered with action, the situation remains unacceptable,” the MP added.