Govt takes action to reduce flooding

GOVERNMENT is taking proactive measures to reduce the risk of flooding in TT.

Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan gave this assurance on Tuesday in response to questions from Opposition MPs in the House of Representatives. Sinanan said flooding which occurred in central Trinidad on Monday was street or flash flooding caused by adverse weather conditions. He said the ministry’s drainage division launched a programme involving over 375 projects to address flooding. The programme consists of three phases. Sinanan said phase one has been completed, phase two will be completed by this weekend and phase three will start next week.

In central, Sinanan said there are 75 projects to deal with flooding.

He said 42 have been completed, 14 are still to be finished and 20 to 25 will be started by next week.

Responding to questions from Opposition MPs David Lee and Dr Tim Gopeesingh, Sinanan said the ministry is also undertaking a major desilting exercises in the Caroni and Guaymare Rivers.

He said they have reduced the risk of flooding significantly in the Greenvale area.

Sinanan also said the ministry is ensuring that sluice gates in different water courses in TT are working properly.