Ian Hayles Defends Urgent Call for Drain Cleaning in Westmoreland Western Amid Infrastructure Neglect Claims

 

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica

The People’s National Party (PNP) caretaker for Westmoreland Western, Ian Hayles, has strongly pushed back against recent dismissals from Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) representatives who labelled his urgent call for drain cleaning in the constituency as “political mischief.”

In a press release issued on Friday, Hayles condemned these accusations as baseless attempts to deflect attention from the apparent failure of the sitting JLP Member of Parliament, Moreland Wilson, to address long-standing infrastructure issues.

“The drains in Bathhouse are still significantly blocked, with only partial brushing done on one side of the road,” Hayles stated.
“In Egypt Gardens and McNeil Land, the situation is equally dire. These half-hearted efforts have left residents exposed to severe flooding risks.”

Hayles also criticised the track record of local JLP councillors, highlighting a lack of meaningful improvements.

“For eight years, the councillor representing the Sheffield Division has failed to deliver real changes. Likewise, the councillor for Little London Division has neglected Egypt Gardens, offering words instead of action,” he added.

In a video response, Hayles urged the public to inspect the conditions for themselves, emphasizing the ongoing risk to residents.

“The drains in Bathhouse, McNeil Land, and Egypt Gardens remain clogged. I encourage the public to look at these areas and decide who is truly advocating for them,” he said.

Not About Politics, But Public Safety

Rejecting claims that his statements were politically motivated, Hayles insisted his call for immediate action was about protecting lives and property in the face of preventable disasters.

“This is not about politics. It’s about protecting the lives and properties of the people of Western Westmoreland. We must act now—waiting until floodwaters rise is not an option,” Hayles said.

The urgency comes less than two weeks after Tropical Storm Rafael caused severe flooding across sections of Westmoreland, leaving roads impassable and residents vulnerable.

Our Opinion: Infrastructure Neglect Cannot Be Ignored

The recent flooding and inadequate drain maintenance in Westmoreland Western underscore the critical need for urgent government action. Regardless of political affiliation, the safety and well-being of residents should be the top priority.

Infrastructure neglect, especially in flood-prone areas, is a risk that no community can afford to take lightly. Proactive maintenance and investment must be prioritized to safeguard lives and prevent further damage.

Highlights

• Ian Hayles calls for urgent drain cleaning in Westmoreland Western

• Accuses sitting JLP representatives of neglecting key infrastructure

• JLP dismisses calls as political mischief; Hayles rejects this claim

• Recent flooding from Tropical Storm Rafael worsened local conditions

• Hayles urges non-partisan action to protect residents from future flooding

Residents of Westmoreland Western and beyond should demand transparency and accountability in infrastructure maintenance. Flood prevention measures must be treated as urgent priorities, not political bargaining chips.

For continuous updates and on-the-ground reporting on this story and others, stay connected with Mykro Wave TV JM.