[UPDATED] Hinds: Cleaning of Beetham drain started

Minister in the Ministry of National Security.

Laventille West MP Fitzgerald Hinds, along with Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan, yesterday made a site visit to the Servol main drain in Beetham Gardens, Port of Spain, to see the progress of drainage work in the area.

Speaking with the media, Hinds said reports from his constituents in the area had identified certain drains they believed, once cleaned, would reduce the build-up of water that had happened in the past.

He said work had already started in the drain over the highway and the ministry was now focusing on the drains inside Beetham Gardens to prevent flooding. “Minister Sinanan and his team from drainage responded promptly to my request, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank them.

“This will bring some comfort to the people that the drains and waterways are being cleaned.

“We collaborated with the Ministry of Works, CEPEP and the engineer battalion of the TT regiment and Defence Force.”

Hinds said his constituents were very happy with the progress and it was his hope when the rain came, it would come down smoothly thanks to the drainage project.

Sinanan said his ministry had completed a drainage programme on the highway leading to the swamp and eventually would get the water out to the ocean. He said the drainage programme was broken up into three phases. “Phase One started in January and completed by the end of March, Phase Two completed in June and now we are in Phase Three. So Phase Three is the areas that would not have been the worst areas. That is why we spread the job about like that. He added, “This year we attempted a very ambitious target of 350 desilting projects.

“So far we are on course to complete that by the end of July.

“This year you would see a difference to what happened in the past.”

Sinanan said after work in the Beetham was completed, contractors would move on to Malick and the Caroni River.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

Minister in the Ministry of National Security Laventille West MP Fitzgerald Hinds. along with Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan, today made a site visit to the Servol main drain in Beetham Gardens, Port of Spain, to see the progress of drainage work in the area.

Speaking with the media, Hinds said reports from his constituents in this area have identified certain drains they believed, once cleaned, would reduce the build-up of water that has happened in the past.

He said work has already started in the drain over the highway and the ministry is now focusing on the drains inside Beetham Gardens to prevent flooding.

“Minister Sinanan and his team from drainage responded promptly to my request, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank them. This will bring some comfort to the people that the drains and waterways are being cleaned.

“We collaborated with the Ministry of Works, CEPEP and the engineer battalion of the TT regiment and Defence Force.”