St. Catherine councillor warns cement crunch may slow hurricane drain repairs

A prolonged shortage of cement is creating fresh concerns for builders and local authorities trying to complete repair work as the hurricane season gets under way.

Delano Seiveright, State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, said last Friday that the supply problems are expected to be settled within the coming weeks. However, Sydney Rose, Councillor for the Treadways Division in St. Catherine, said hardware operators in the area have reportedly been told that supplies could tighten further, leaving limited cement available for construction jobs.

Rose said municipal corporations need basic hardware supplies to properly prepare for storms, especially where drainage infrastructure must be restored. He said some concrete drains in his division require repairs, while other drains may have to be constructed so water can move off roadways quickly during heavy rainfall and reduce flooding risks.

The councillor called on the responsible authorities to provide clearer information. He also urged Caribbean Cement Company to "move apace to treat with this matter" and give firm guidance on when the shortage will come to an end.