Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan says despite the need for urgent action during major flooding episodes the country recently experienced, desilting and dredging works are a challenge to complete.
Sinanan was responding to urgent questions from several opposition members in the Parliament on Friday afternoon.
Asked whether a timeline could be provided for the start of such work, Sinanan said it was not possible, however, he noted that at present, areas of blockages and breached points are being addressed.
He said the areas include Bamboo No. 2 and 3, La Paille Village in Caroni, Woodland and any other area where urgent remedial work has been identified.
Woodland flooding
Asked by Oropouche West MP Davendranath Tancoo whether he was aware that the only work done in the Woodland area was the clearing of vegetation, Sinanan noted that dredging work was also being completed.
“We have two pieces of equipment down there actually rebuilding banks. We have a contractor on site rebuilding the breach on the New Cut Channel and we also have the Ministry’s Watermaster (amphibious dredger) equipment rebuilding breaches in the area. The desilting program is ongoing throughout the dry season and at this point wherever there were breaches identified, we are working on those as we speak.”
Stagnant flood waters
Barataria/San Juan MP Sadam Hosein queried what urgent steps will be taken to address the stagnant floodwaters facing many citizens. Sinanan noted because of the geography of an area, some spots may take longer to recede than others. The Minister indicated he made a recent visit to one affected area, El Socorro South, along with the Chairman of the San Juan Regional Corporation.
“We identified some of the challenges in getting water to the pump house because we have two pumps down there which are working and local government is addressing it so we can pull water to the pump site.”
He explained that ponding was evident in that specific area because of the levels of the Caroni river.
“A lot more water went into that area. Since the Caroni river receded, that has stopped and we will be taking full charge of that area to bring relief immediately.”
Flood gates
Asked whether he could confirm that the floodgates at the river are now open, Sinanan explained that the gates “open and close at different times.”
“If you have a low tide the flood gates can open if the river level is low. When I was there the river level was very high but we do have people on site. Some of those gates operate in different areas as a flap gate, so if the water on land is strong it would actually open the gate for itself. In some areas, you have the screw gates and we have people on site. Once the water drops below the gate, those gates are opened.”
Madras Road flooding
With reference to the constant flooding situation at Madras Road in St Helena and what measures can be implemented to keep the road passable for the rest of the rainy season, Sinanan said targeted plans are in place for 2023.
“As part of the plan for the 2023 financial year, dredging of the Caroni River mouth and watercourses will help to reduce the flooding in that area.”
Sinanan noted that other plans such as a retention pond as suggested by Caroni East MP Dr Rishad Seecheran may be impossible to execute, given that the surrounding area is low-lying.
“The pond itself could turn out to be a problem.”
“The entire Trinidad and Tobago is being looked at in the National geographical flood mitigation plan and if it is recommended that area should get one, I am sure the consultants and the experts will put that forward to the government.”
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