Santa Cruz residents fear health disaster after Melissa

Residents of Institution Drive, located off the Santa Cruz bypass in St Elizabeth, are pleading for urgent attention as stagnant, debris-choked murky water threatens the health of community members.

Below is a letter from one resident.

Hello friends,

Whilst I'm happy to celebrate life following last week's hurricane I must also report that the situation at Institution Drive (Santa Cruz bypass) has become catastrophic. This is no longer just post-hurricane water, it's a massive, rising health hazard.

The surrounding rivers are overflowing, and the main drainage trench is completely choked with debris. The result? The water is stagnant, toxic, and refusing to recede. It's currently at pool height in yards and slowly creeping up towards homes.

It's difficult for us.

We are pleading for immediate media intervention!

Please send a crew to Institution Drive immediately to document this crisis and help us pressure the National Works Agency and the parish council to clear this blockage and pump the water out now before it's too late.