Fallout looms as UDC closes Reach Falls

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has closed Reach Falls, one of Portland's premier tourists attraction site, as a result of a fish kill. According to the UDC, a large amount of dead fish and crayfish have been discovered in the water.

Reach Falls, which is a picturesque spot that boasts glittering blue waters is located in eastern Portland.

Mayor of Port Antonio, Paul Thompson, said the closure of Reach Falls will have an adverse effect on vendors who depend on the attraction for a living. He said that the current situation could create undue hardships on vendors and their families.

"It is going to be a tough period for the people selling in that area, as, with the closure of the facility, albeit temporary, it will affect those who depend on it to earn their livelihood," Thompson said.

The mayor chided the persons who are responsible for the fish kill, stating that "it is a rather selfish move on the part of those that poisoned the water ways".

"This will also affect the already fragile tourism sector in Portland, which has experienced a nose-dive in tourists arrival since the late 1980s and early 1990s," Thompson concluded.

Meanwhile, a taxi operator who gives his name as 'Water Rat', told THE STAR that he is bracing for an economic fallout.

"Mi transport tourists and our own Jamaican people to Reach Falls five days per week," said Water Rat.

"Sometimes mi just park down a di foot a di hill and tourist just come to me and ask mi fi drop dem up a di falls. So a my work dat. Mi do good business and di place a gwaan good. Cane man make a food, jelly man (water coconut) make a food, craft vendor make a food, even di herbs man make a food," he said.