MP for Naparima, Rodney Charles is calling on the Government to provide compensation packages for residents of Williamsville who he said were once again victims of mass flooding.

Take a look at his statement below:

This PNM administration’s lethargy and disregard in the dredging of rivers in that area is shameful. As recently as March 23rd this year I asked the Minister of Works and Transport when the dredging of the Guaracara River would commence.

He stated that there were no recent studies for that area and that the river was cleaned in previous years. Does that justify not dredging it now? He went on to blame unplanned development, illegal dumping of waste, encroachment of the channel and unmanaged filling of low-lying areas.

To blame citizens who encroach on rivers is unacceptable. It is still the Government’s duty to ensure that the law is followed. In April dozens of residents came out in protest at Coconut Drive for this river to be dredged.

In May of this year, I wrote to the Minister to raise concerns about the erection of a wall by a business place along the Guaracara River which could hinder the flow of water. To date no action has been taken and the pleas of our citizens have fallen on deaf ears.

Hundreds of homes and businesses have been severely affected yearly from flooding. With the recent heavy rains, homeowners were once again in the same situation. Constituents and farmers have suffered thousands in losses due to the floods, and the rainy season has only just begun.

It is unacceptable and offensive that year after year constituents still have no real comfort or consolation that any action will finally take place. The Guaracara River is in urgent need of dredging to finally relieve the constituents of the constant flooding. They have been victims to this Minister’s incompetence and laziness for too long.

MP Charles is calling on Minister Sinanan to wake up and finally get the job done. Today’s flooding was only a taste of what could take place if the Government continues to be negligent.