The Editor, Sir:

Many of us citizens in the Ocho Rios area have been wondering what plans the Government had for the restoration of the infrastructure so badly damaged in last April's freak storm. It is with some degree of satisfaction that I read in your paper a few days ago the National Works Agency's (NWA) notice inviting contractors to submit pre-qualification applications for the road resurfacing programme, as part of the rehabilitation of the main roads from Colegate to Harrison Town.

Drainage improvements

While I observe that the item "drainage improvements" is listed among the scope of works, I wonder whether the much-needed engineering plan to cover the drainage needs of the entire rain-fed area, which contributed so heavily to the April debacle that affected Ocho Rios, has been formulated. In which case, are the drainage improvements mentioned in the notice part of the all-important drainage master plan?

Without this type of foresight and planning, a beautifully constructed road through Fern Gully and beyond can so easily be ruined with the deluge of water and debris hurtling through this natural water course if we were to have a repeat storm.

Since the notice covers only works for Colegate to Harrison Town, I assume that there will be another phase covering Harrison Town to Ocho Rios, with the same important emphasis on drainage. I am sure that my fellow citizens are of a like mind and seek the assurance of the NWA that the drainage factor has been seriously taken into account.

I am, etc.,

DONALD DRAYTON

PO Box 27

Ocho Rios