Hillside living can be dangerous

THE EDITOR: I was in dismay as I saw the gushing waters flowing through villages in Sierra Leone destroying thousands of homes and many lives in the process. This place had heavy rainfall resulting in mudslides. One of the things that caught my attention was the number of homes that were constructed on the hillside which was an accident just waiting to happen.

My mind came back to the great number of home construction that has taken place over the years in Trinidad and Tobago on the hillsides. When I look at the constant landslides that we are having now in TT due to the unpredictable rainfall in the wet season, I am very concerned about homes that are built on the hillside. You may argue that we never had this type of disaster but unfortunately, there is always a first time for everything.

Now it is impossible to tell people, who have already built huge concrete structures against the hillsides, to relocate. They may laugh at you. Yet, I would like to suggest to those thinking of going in this direction to be wise and very careful in doing this. You are putting yourself and family members at great risk. Let us learn from what we are seeing happening all around the world due to climate change. Always remember “prevention is better than cure.” Just looking out for you as a citizen of TT.

Arnold Gopeesingh

via email