NWA, NWC to coordinate efforts for smoother projects

Jamaica's national works agency (NWA) and national water commission ( NWC) have reached an agreement to coordinate activities for smoother implementation of projects, according to information and telecommunications minister Daryl Vaz. The minister's remarks came during a tour of northeastern Portland parish's West Portland district, government news service JIS reported. Vaz was accompanied by NWA and parish council officials to assess flood damage to roads in the area for the country's infrastructure development program (JIDP). During the tour a number of projects were prioritized for immediate action, including river retention works, installation of drainage systems and patching roadways in some areas. NWA will setup a steering committee to review the agency's programs once a month, according to CEO Patrick Wong. Works associated with JDIP, including flood repairs, will begin in Portland parish soon, Wong added. Tropical storm Nicole caused severe floods and widespread damage throughout Jamaica in September this year. Eastern parts of the country were also affected by tropical storm Thomas earlier this month.