The main road connecting the district with the city was damaged during the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav in August last year.

Sherwin Dennis, senior clerk of works at the National Works Agency, toured the area a few weeks ago ahead of the opening of the roadway, scheduled for next Tuesday.

"The construction process was delayed by at least two weeks. We want to reassure residents that the work has continued in an effort to make up for valuable time lost," said Dennis.

Canadian gov't assistance

The project, 'The Post Gustav Infrastructure Support for Reconnecting Mammee River District to the Central Road to the City', represents part of the Canadian government's assistance for restoration efforts in the aftermath of the storm.

The Mammee River road was eroded in several sections where the river overflowed its banks and removed portions of the retaining wall, making it impassable for residents of the district wanting to venture outside the community.

Some 1,200 to 1,500 people, mostly women and children, live in the district. Approximately 80 per cent of the residents are from low-income families.

The partners involved in the initiative are the Canadian Inter-national Development Agency, the NWA, Canada's Department of National Defence, the Jamaica Defence Force and the Kingston Restoration Company.