The PNM in its haste to win an election has gerrymandered boundaries to pack the East West Corridor with houses from Diego Martin to Arima and Sangre Grande. A similar development is happening in Chaguanas and environ where there is a splurge of buildings in Egypt Trace and Brentwood. In San Fernando a similar trend is in practice with residents of Todd’s Street and environ are protesting the usurpation of their green spaces for housing.
Is the increased number of HDC houses along the East West Corridor contributing to the present flooding in Valsayn South and St Augustine? Did the planners take into consideration the increased runoff from roofs and implemented the necessary engineering works to avoid flooding like what communities are experiencing at present?
If the people affected by this water can prove that the developments along the East West Corridor are contributing to the flooding, then they should have reasons to explore the legality of filing a class action suit against the Ministry of Housing and the Ministry of Planning.
The flooding in Kernahan and Mafeking in Mayaro is naked neglect of these farming communities. Is the Ministry of Agriculture working? The same question could be posted to the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Local Government. This is naked neglect, a kind of total disregard for food producers and the poor in this country.
I admire those who reach out to affected families with food, water, cleaning materials and other necessities to restore affected people to a life of normalcy. But more than that is the need to speak out for justice for those people who have been ravaged by floods ever so often. Can we truly fathom the hurt and suffering of those families who have experienced five floods in two months?
Exactly what is causing the floods in Penal/Debe? Why a detailed report of the factors contributing to this problem have not been laid out? While it is the duty of Ministry of Works to take this lead, Dr. Roodal Moonilal should take step to mobilize civil engineers to assess the situation- the cause of the flood and the solution. This flooding cannot continue in this manner. It is dehumanizing- five floods in less than two months!
Is the newly constructed highway contributing to the flooding? Was Dr Wayne Kublasingh right when he protested the construction of the highway? I think the citizens need to know. It is a good opportunity for Dr Roodal Moonilal to demonstrate some hands-on leadership on the ground.
We need not bother about the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s fans who are in the bars across the country glued to television sets. They are operating at their optimum best, doing what they like. It is for others to step up to the plate and Dr. Moonilal has the fortitude and resilience to solve this problem.
Dr. Moonilal knows that the people have the power, and they bestow it on the leader who is fighting their battle. It is a great opportunity for Dr Moonilal to prove his worth in this battle outside of parliament…in his constituency. This flood presents an opportunity for Dr. Moonilal to prove his mettle and wrest the leadership from Kamla who is too tired and worn down.