NWA to do emergency repairs on roadway in Clarendon after culvert is destroyed by fire

November 7, 2026

Emergency repairs works will be undertaken tomorrow along a section of the May Pen to Chapelton main road in Clarendon, after the plastic culvert was destroyed by fire, believed to have been caused by faulty electrical wires.

The works are slated to commence at 8:00 a.m. and are expected to be completed before 6:00 p.m.

The National Works Agenc noted that a storm water drain located in an area referred to as “Shake Hand Corner” has been destroyed.

NWA Communication Manager Stephen Shaw explained that the pipe culvert, which was made from plastic, has been completely burnt out.

As a result, the road embankment is currently without critical support.

Mr. Shaw said the NWA hired a contractor to replace the pipe culvert and have the embankment secured.

With the planned road closure, motorists heading from the direction of May Pen towards Chapelton are being advised to use the alternative road through Turner and Trafalgar Hill, into Chapelton.

The reverse will obtain for persons travelling from the direction of Chapelton towards May Pen.

Mr. Shaw is reminding persons not to set fires close to drains, as many of these modern features are made from plastic, which can be destroyed.

Persons are also being urged not to use the inlet sections of these culverts to burn garbage, as this too will lead to the drain being destroyed.

He added that the use of these drains to extract power from the Jamaica Public Service company’s network, is also being discouraged.

Mr. Shaw said while the NWA cannot say what caused the fire that burnt the culvert, electrical wires were observed going through the space.

He pointed out that electrical fires caused by faulting wiring will destroy the culverts.