Moonilal to raise flooding problem in House

FOLLOWING an emergency meeting between Oropouche MP Dr Roodal Moonilal and Chairman of the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC) Allen Sammy on Tuesday, the UNC representative has promised to raise the flood problems affecting residents of Penal/Debe at the next sitting of Parliament tomorrow. “If no substantial help is received on Friday, by way of monies requested by the PDRC for emergency infrastructural and drainage works, I intend to raise the matter for debate in the House of Representatives,” Moonilal said. The meeting was held to update the MP on the progress of remedial work and social relief for flood victims in Penal/Debe. Moonilal said he was told several Government agencies visited the region but officials did not contact the MP about their assessment of damage to property and crops.

“There is a lack of respect shown to the MP by Government agencies and high office holders when they visit Oropouche. “It appears the Government agencies are in contact with PNM party groups and using  PNM supporters and sycophants to channel social relief to residents,” Moonilal claimed. “This invariably leads to corruption in the distribution of aid and social services. “The PNM corruption and discrimination continues even with the distribution of hampers,” he added. Moonilal yesterday called on Government agencies to conduct their duties in a transparent, fair and accountable manner. He claimed because of the secretive manner in which the Government operates, in the last floods, farmers received as little as $21 in compensation for flood losses of more than $5,000.