Govt spearheads clean-up operations

WORKS and Transport Minister Franklin Khan yesterday headed a high-powered government team for a first-hand look at the areas affected by Sunday’s torrential rains and flooding and activate all the necessary clean-up mechanisms. The team included Health Minister John Rahael, National Security Minister Martin Joseph and Agriculture Minister Jarrette Narine. The ministers and their technical officers conducted an aerial tour of the affected areas in north-west Trinidad. Most affected areas were within the East/West Corridor, Caparo River Basin and the Caroni River Basin. The team also visited Penal/Debe and was able to have a good view of landslips and areas affected by flash flooding. 

The Ministry of Works and Transport’s Drainage Division has since mobilised its drainage gangs, equipment and technical staff to assist in clearing channels and water courses. These efforts are continuing. Works Ministry officials said the severe flooding was due to “the overtopping of channel banks as a result of torrential and continued precipitation.” Rahael said his ministry has activated all of its post-flood mechanisms, including insect vector control. However as the ministerial team surveyed the situation from the air, local government bodies had joined Works Ministry teams in undertaking clean-up operations on the ground.

Diego Martin Regional Corporation (DMRC) officials told Newsday that particular emphasis was being placed on the Dibe, Long Circular Road area where raging flood waters swept 53-year-old Telitha Charles to her death on Sunday. Diego Martin East MP and Tertiary Education Minister Colm Imbert visited the scene of the tragedy on Sunday and pledged to approach his Cabinet colleagues about undertaking the necessary preventative work in the area.