It has been recommended that the National Works Agency (NWA) set aside funds to clean the Riley River in Hanover which becomes blocked by debris, including bamboo, during heavy rain.
According to residents of surrounding communities, the river has been blocked since last week by bamboo, and the carcass of cattle washed down in the debris.
This has led to the blocking of the flow of water under the bridge which is a major link between Montego Bay and Negril.
A resident of Keep Left told Radio Jamaica News that flooding from heavy rain on Tuesday was the third occurrence in recent days, as the river continues to overflow its banks.
"It's also flowing from the Brissett end, from over the banks at the shops at Keep Left, going from the banks there and just about any outlet that the river can get. The Riley bridge is blocked by a lot of bamboo, a whole lot, and so the water cannot flow freely," she said.
Easton Edwards, Councillor for the Lucea Division, insisted the matter has been longstanding and needs to be addressed with urgency by the NWA.
He argued that Hanover is the second largest bamboo producer in the country, and if the NWA knows it is responsible for cleaning the river, the agency should have set aside funding so it can act if there is an emergency.
Speaking to Radio Jamaica News on Tuesday night, NWA western region community relations officer, Janelle Ricketts, said the bamboo issue is a perennial problem that is not easy to address.
Radio Jamaica News understands that Homer Davis, State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Western Jamaica, is to tour the area Wednesday with Member of Parliament for Hanover Western, Tamika Davis.
